HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - In the first ever Golden State Athletic Conference Invitational hosted by the Vanguard Lions, the Blue and Gold split the day against the pair of Arizona schools. They opened with a sweeping 5-0 over the Firestorm before being bested by OUAZ 4-1. The Lions hold all-time records of 2-0 against ACU and 0-3 against Ottawa University of Arizona.

Vanguard 5, Arizona Christian 0

The second pairing of the Lions, Kolby Bird (JR/San Diego, CA) and Kelli Dowell (SR/Redlands, CA) began the day with a 21-12, 21-13 victory over the Firestorm to kick things off on the right foot. On Court Four, Eliana Johnson and Karly Cantu won 21-14 in set one and finish set two on top 21-17. Duo five, Emilee Hall and Syndey Irwin, lost the first frame 17-21, before rallying to win sets two and three by 21-16 and 15-8 counts. On Court Three, Shay Piper and Kayla Tinker needed an extra point to win 22-20 but finished with a 21-18 victory. The Lions top pair of Gabby Morrison and Conley Harris cruised to 21-14 and 21-13 wins.

Ottawa 4, Vanguard 1

Meeting for the first time since they squared off for the AVCA Small School Championship in Florida a year ago, the Spirit once again beat the Lions. Bird and Dowell began with a 21-16 victory in the open set but fell 17-21 and 12-15 after. Hall and Irwin, both freshman, were bested 23-21 and 21-16. Johnson and Cantu, playing as the fourth pairing, were defeated 21-16 and 21-13. Piper and Tinker on Court Three, lost 21-15 and 21-11. In the matchup of the No. 1's Vanguard reigned supreme as Morrison and Harris battled back from losing the opening frame to secure a victory with 21-18 and 15-9 scores.

Next Game: Friday, March 6th against Benedictine-Mesa at 11:00 a.m. followed by Marymount California at 3:00 p.m.

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