As the Golden Eagles set their sights on the NCAA Division II Volleyball Tournament First Round, they prepare to clash with a familiar foe in the opening game: Cal Poly Pomona. Ahead of Thursday's matchup, get to know the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos.

2021 SEASON SO FAR

Cal Poly Pomona is back in the NCAA Tournament for the second time in the last three seasons, as one of three California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schools to make the national bracket in 2021.

Posting a .285 team hitting percentage that ranks fourth in the nation, the Broncos have relied on an efficient offensive unit to find success all season. The fire power has fueled an impressive 23-4 record, good for second place in the CCAA standings and a runners-up finish in the CCAA Tournament.

The Broncos leapt out of the gate in 2021, tearing through early season competition with 11 straight wins, seven of which were secured in three sets. On Oct. 1, Pomona suffered their first loss of the season at Cal State LA after the Golden Eagles rallied back from a first set loss to secure a four-set win.

Cal Poly Pomona bounced back to win their next three games against conference opponents, before falling in back-to-back four-set matches against then No. 11 Cal State San Bernardino.

Following the pair of losses to the Coyotes, Cal Poly Pomona won out the eight remaining games of their conference schedule, earning the No. 2 seed heading into the CCAA Tournament.

After a first-round bye, the Broncos picked up the program's first postseason win since 2018, sweeping three-seed San Francisco State to advance to the CCAA Tournament Championship. Pomona faced top-seeded San Bernardino in the final match, playing the reigning national champion to a rare five-set match, before CSUSB locked up the win 15-10 in the decisive set.

LAST TIME THEY MET

The Golden Eagles and Broncos faced each other twice in 2021, exchanging wins in their two conference battles. Cal State LA earned a four-set victory at University Gym on Oct. 1, before falling in five sets at Pomona on Oct. 30.

The two teams have not met in the postseason since 2008, when the Broncos ended Cal State LA's season with a five-set win in the second round of the NCAA West Regional.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

While Cal Poly Pomona's offensive firepower is well known, spectators should keep their eye on CCAA Setter of the Year Kira Zimmerman. The senior has posted 30-assist games 21 times this season, including a four-game streak of 50 or more assists late in the season. Zimmerman ranked second in aces per set (26), assists per set (10.32), service aces (48) and total assists (991). If the Broncos find their offensive stride on Thursday, Zimmerman will likely be the facilitator.

Kaitlan Tucker has quietly turned in a strong sophomore season, earning an All-CCAA honorable mention. The 5-foot-11-inch middle blocker has proved solid at the net, making 81 blocks on the year, good for a conference-leading 1.11 blocks per set. On offense, Tucker posted a .331 hitting percentage, which ranks fifth in the CCAA.

HOME VS. AWAY SPLITS

Cal Poly Pomona has earned strong results on all courts in 2021, posting a 14-1 record at Kellogg Arena, and a 7-2 record on the road. The Broncos have also played three neutral site games, finishing 2-1 in those matches.

Cal State LA has found most of their success at home in 2021, posting an 8-1 record at University Stadium while playing to a 6-5 line on the road. The Golden Eagles have played seven neutral site games, splitting the results 4-3 in those contests.

THURSDAY'S MATCH

Thursday's game between Cal State LA and Cal Poly Pomona will be played at Coussoulis Arena on the campus of Cal State San Bernardino. First serve is set for 5 p.m. PST.

Tickets are on sale now, and cost $10 general admission and $5 for students with ID, children under 12, and seniors.

The match will be broadcast live on the CCAA Network and fans can also follow along with live stats at LAGoldenEagles.com/game.

Championship brackets and additional tournament information can be found on host Cal State San Bernardino's West Region Tournament Central.