BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Vanguard Lions (1-1) faced off against Cal State University - Los Angeles (1-2) and Cal State University - Bakersfield (4-0) on Saturday to begin their second season of play. with a strong 4-1 victory, the Blue and Gold won their opening contest over CSULA before falling to CSUB later in the day.
"This was a solid opening weekend; We are showing improvements in our game IQ, vision & confidence," remarked Head Coach Kris Dorn. "It's a joy to watch these ladies compete well and love their partner through adversity. While it's great to get our first win of season, it's just a byproduct of showing grit & perseverance. We are a different team than in our inaugural year and we have a bright future."
Vanguard 4, Cal State LA 1
The Lions enjoy their matchup with the Golden Eagles, as the first victory in program history came against CSULA last season. In the battle of top pairings, Hannah Holder (JR/Irvine, CA) and Kelli Dowell (SR/Redlands, CA) lost 21-16, 18-21, 9-15 decisions. Picking up for their teammates, Gabby Morrison (SO/Paso Robles, CA) and Charity Dennis (SR/Cypress, CA) were victorious by 21-17, 21-12 marks. Brooke Wilsman (SR/Lakeland, FL), one of two new players on the squad for 2019, and Dani Erdelatz (JR/Stockton, CA) won in tight 21-18, 21-19 fashion. Karly Cantu (JR/Spokane, WA) and Eliana Johnson (SO/Scottsdale, AZ) had to go the distance but walked off the sand with a 21-16, 24-26, 15-4 victory. Karli Burk (SO/Yucaipa, CA)e and Kayla Darm (FR/San Juan Capistrano, CA) - the lone freshman on the squad, cruised to a 21-19, 21-6 victory.
CSU Bakersfield 4, Vanguard 1
Flipping the script from earlier in the day, Holder/Dowell won 22-20, 23-21 over the top pair of the Roadrunners. Morrison/Denis were defeated 21-17,21-14, which was just one point combined different than the margins for Wilsman/Erdelatz. Cantu and Johnson lost in mirrored 21-12 sets while Burke/Darm were bested 21-7, 21-13. In the exhibition pairing, Mackenzie Mitchell (SO/Costa Mesa, CA) and Angel Carroll (SO/Roy, WA) lost 21-15, 21-10.
Next Match: Thursday, February 28th against Moyola Marymount University and Cal State University - Northridge
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