THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Vanguard (9-4) traveled to take on Cal Lutheran (8-10) on Saturday evening and earned a three-set sweep against the Division III opponent. The Lions took the three sets 27-25, 40-38, and 25-23 in their second contest of a six game road trip.

After exchanging the lead at the beginning of the first set, the Pride managed to get ahead after Kyle Anema (SO/La Mirada, CA) went on a four-point run to give VU the advantage 12-9. Continuing their offensive domination, the Lions were ahead 22-20 after a kill from Anema, but the Kingsmen tied the set 22-22. The lead was exchanged once again, but the Blue and Gold secured the first set 27-25 after a pair of blocks from Cody Watts (FR/Clovis, CA). During the first set, Anema and Christian Nowtash (SO/Vista, CA) paced the Lions with their play on both sides of the net.

CLU quickly took hold of the second set, but Vanguard responded well and a block from Watts earned the lead 4-3. The Lions extended their edge through the set, but the Kingsmen had a late surge and narrowed the Pride's advantage to three points. CLU tied the set 24-24 and the pair of teams began to trade the lead, but it wasn't until a kill from Nowtash did Vanguard take command. An error from the Kingsmen secured the victory for the Pride 40-38.

Vanguard lost their offensive rhythm in the third set after CLU had an early surge and snagged the advantage 7-4. Watts helped turn the tide and earn back the lead with a service ace. The Kingsmen tied the set again 12-12, but the Lions banned together to earn back the advantage after a pair of kills from Anema and Thompson. An extension of lead for the Pride helped secure the match victory and ended 25-23 off a kill from Watts.

Anema recorded a match high 29 kills, nine digs, and a pair of block assists in the three-set win. Nowtash clocked in with 12 digs, three block assists, three digs, and a hitting percentage of .588. In total, the Pride earned 54 kills, 43 digs, and 12 blocks in the three sets.

Next Match: Friday, February 28 at Menlo College at 6:00 p.m.

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