COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Vanguard Lions (2-1) fell in four sets to Concordia University (4-2), a Division II competitor in the NCAA and former rival in many sports to the Pride. Head Coach Brad Rostratter has some history with the Eagles as he was a former player for the team when they were starting their inaugural season back in 2013. 

In the first set, both teams were able to immediately capitalize on their offensive opportunities as the ball rarely changed sides after the initial serve, often striking the ground in violent fashion. A kill by Kyle Anema (SO/La Mirada, CA) that narrowly stayed in bounds would give Vanguard an 11-10 advantage midway through the set. Concordia was able to build three-point leads at various points later in the match that were immediately followed by timeouts by Coach Rostratter.  The Lions were able to claw their way back to tie up the game twice, but the Eagles were able to pull ahead and take the game 25-23.

The first part of the second set closely mirrored the first, until CUI started to build a lead. Noah Lassandro, the 6'10 middle blocker from Reading, PA tallied his third block and the Eagles seized control of the second set, as the Lions fell behind 8-15. The Lions went on a 6-1 run to cut the deficit to two behind a solo block and an assist by Bryce Thompson (SO/Los Alamitos, CA), but the Eagles were able to create separation once again and eventually took the second set 25-51 to go up two games to none. 

Vanguard started the third set on an 8-3 run, highlighted by kills from Anema and Christian Nowtash (SO/Vista, CA) and four attack errors by the visitors. Both teams went back-and-forth until the Blue and Gold had built a 14-8 lead. The Eagles responded with a 5-0 run to bring things back within one, but an emphatic kill by Cody Watts (FR/Clovis, CA) would stop the run for the moment. Dylan Garcia (FR/Los Angeles, CA)'s fifth kill of the night and an attack error would put VU in striking range as CUI took their second timeout of the set down 22-18. Garcia's service ace would clinch the win for the Blue and Gold, moving the match score to 2-1 in favor of Concordia. 

This time it was the Eagles that would open the set on a 4-1 run, but a huge block by Anema would spark a 7-2 run by Vanguard to settle things down. Neither team could create any separation until an attack error by the Lions gave Concordia an 18-15 lead. Raymond Barsemian's 13th kill of the night would give the visitors a 22-17 lead, and an attack error would seal the deal, giving the Eagles the win, three games to one. 

Kyle Anema led the Lions with 14 kills in 39 attempts and two service aces, while Cody Watts also recorded double-digit kills with ten to go along with two blocks. Bryce Thompson continued to play at a high level as he dished out 41 assists for the Lions; he currently ranks seventh in the NAIA in assists per game and 17th in total assists. 

Next Game: Friday, January 24th against Hope International at 6:00 p.m.

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