NORTHRIDGE, CA - The (RV) Vanguard Lions (8-4) lost in straight sets, 25-17, 25-21, 37-35, in their Friday night matchup against Division I foe CSUN (4-9). This was the first all-time meeting between the Matadors and Lions who have had two common opponents this season in Concordia University and Benedictine Mesa. This would be the fourth win by CSUN by way of 3-0 sweep. 

After a service error made it 4-6 in favor of the home team, the Matadors would go on a 5-1 run to build a five-point edge. CSUN would take advantage of a couple of errors to stretch their lead to nine, eventually taking the first set 25-17. CSU Northridge would record their best hitting percentage (.481) with 16 kills and only two errors. The second set was much more tightly contested with 11 ties and five lead changes. After a service error gave VU a 19-18 lead late in the second, the Matadors would record four kills and two service errors to put the Lions in a 0-2 hole.

The Lions recorded their best hitting percentage in a marathon of a third set as they tallied 23 kills with only six errors, good for a .395 hitting percentage. A 4-0 run in the middle of the set would create some separation for CSUN and they would keep the Lions at arm's length until the score showed 23-20. A kill by Alejandro Hernandez (FR/Hacienda Heights, CA) would kick off the furious rally for the Blue and Gold, and a couple of kills from Cody Watts (FR/Clovis, CA) would keep things close. With VU on the brink of elimination, down 24-23, Dylan Garcia (FR/Los Angeles, CA) came up with a huge block to tie things up at 24. After a total of 17 ties and nine lead changes, CSUN would come away with the win. 

Kyle Anema (SO/La Mirada, CA) led the Lions with 16 digs and also had five digs on the night while Cody Watts would finish with eight digs and two total blocks. Cameron Way (SO/Dana Point, CA) and Dylan Garcia would each record seven digs and Bryce Thompson (SO/Los Alamitos, CA) would dish out 31 assists, dig five balls, and block two attacks. The Lions will dive right back into action against Cal Lutheran for their fourth game this week on Saturday. 

Next Game: Saturday, February 22 at Cal Lutheran starting at 6:00 p.m.

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