COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Vanguard Lions (13-8) were feeling strong facing Saint Katherine College (9-10) after coming off a weekend sweep. The last time the Lions faced Firebirds, the score was drastically in Vanguard's favor. This time around, however, Saint Katherine tested the Lions and, Vanguard fell in extra innings. After 11 innings, Vanguard lost, 7-2. Vanguard's fielding was strong and kept the score tied, but, after Saint Katherine scored five runs in the ninth, the Lions couldn't come back.

The first two innings saw no runs scored as Saint Katherine struggled to get through the Lions defense. Vanguard saw the first run with a double by Brandon Sandoval (SR/Fallbrook, CA) that brought in Bryce Wetherell (JR/Chattaroy, WA). Saint Katherine posted a run the next inning to tie it up. The game was at a standstill, each team only seeing three or four batters each inning. In the eighth, trouble began as Saint Katherine scored an unearned run. Vanguard held them off for a moment as Sage Voda (FR/Tehachapi, CA) shocked everyone in attendance by scoring with just an out left and sending the game into extra innings. The game was held at 2-2 in the tenth, but the 11th inning saw five runs for Saint Katherine that Vanguard couldn't answer. The final score was 7-2.

The Lions had Roberto Johnson (SR/San Marcos, CA) (1-0) on the mound to start off the game. Johnson went 5.2 innings, only allowing one run, before handing if off to Christian Sheehan (SR/Redondo Beach, CA) to finish out the inning. Michael Kashou (FR/Anaheim, CA) came in for two innings before handing if off to Jake Mellenthin (SR/New Plymouth, ID) (4). Mellenthin saw two solid innings in the ninth and tenth before handing the ball over to Akoni Arriaga (SR/Wailuku, HI) (0-1). Josh Bailly (JR/Union City. CA) came in during the 11th inning to finish out the day.

Next Game: Friday, March 3rd against Hope International University at 2:00 p.m.

-GOLD PRIDE-