TAVARES, Fla. - The Vanguard Lions (15-11) went undefeated in pool play on Friday, earning a spot in the NAIA Gold Bracket with four teams competing for the championship. After defeating Missouri Baptist early in the day, the Blue and Gold faced off against GSAC foe OUAZ (23-4) for the NAIA crown. In all, the Pride went 4-1 in Florida during their first trip to post season play at the AVCA Small School Championship at Hickory Point Beach Volleyball Complex.
"In the immediate aftermath, it's hard to sit in the loss of any game, let alone a loss in a championship. No one dreams of second place," remarked Head Coach Kris Dorn. "Yet, this is a majestic milestone of a second-year program that is already building a legacy. We are Vanguard and we did this together!"
OUAZ 4, Vanguard 1
The top pairing of Hannah Holder (JR/Irvine, CA) and Kelli Dowell (SR/Redlands, CA) were bested 21-18, 21-18 and over on court two Gabby Morrison (SO/Paso Robles, CA) and Karly Cantu (JR/Spokane, WA) lost by scores of 21-9, 21-19. Dani Erdelatz (JR/Stockton, CA) and Brooke Wilsman (SR/Lakeland, FL) were knocked off by 21-13, 21-14 counts. Eliana Johnson (SO/Scottsdale, AZ) and Charity Dennis (SR/Cypress, CA) won their pairing by a score of 21-12, 21-18. Sam Rice and Kayla Darm (FR/San Juan Capistrano, CA) were the lone pairing to go three sets, winning the first set 21-17 before losing 21-18, 15-10.
Note: Details have yet to emerge for the scoring breakdown of the matchup with Missouri Baptist in the morning.
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