COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Vanguard Lions competed in their final home match of the 2019-2020 season against (RV) Simpson University. The Blue and Gold put together a complete performance in front of their faithful fans and came away with a 24-15 win, their first victory against an opponent that was ranked or has received votes. 

Nathan Yanez (FR/Eastvale, CA) came out of the gates strong for the Lions as he earned a major decision victory, scoring nine points in his bout to put four points on the board. The Red Hawks had to forfeit in the 133-pound division, giving Vanguard an early 10-0 edge over the visitors. Gabriel Cortez (FR/Covina, CA) kept the momentum going as he earned a 9-3 victory to put three more points on the board for the Blue and Gold. Michael Leininger would get Simpson on the board in the fourth bout of the night with a major decision victory. 

Brian Isaias (FR/Villa Park, CA) got the Lions back on track, scoring six points in a decision victory, but the Red Hawks would earn their second victory of the night to cut the Vanguard lead to 16-7. Armon Fayyazi (JR/Irvine, CA) took down his opponent at will, earning a 10-3 decision victory, and Andrew Shin (FR/Glendora, CA) would lose in a narrow decision as Vanguard would hold a 22-16 lead over Simpson going into the tenth and final match of the night. Joshua Sapien (JR/Hacienda Heights, CA) would wrap up the night with an overtime 5-2 decision victory to seal the win for the Blue and Gold. 

"It is nice to get a dual win at our final dual meet of the year," said Head Coach Caleb Flores. "Our guys are wrestling well at the right time and I am really looking forward to seeing our progress in the coming weeks as we contuniue to prepare for the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament that will be here before we know it."

Next Match: The Lions will be competing in the California Collegiate Open in San Fransisco, CA on Saturday, January 25th. 

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