COSTA MESA, Calif. – After an ever-shifting schedule for the preseason, the 10th ranked Vanguard Lions (1-0) made their debut on Bill and Shirley Reynolds Court in front of an environment with no fans. They settled in after a tough first quarter to win 80-61 over San Diego Christian (3-2) in a non-conference tilt.
What Happened? Tipping off midday, both teams showed signs of rust from the wacky season due to COVID-19 and all its affects. The Hawks controlled much of the first half as they shot 70% for the quarter and took advantage of the Pride's turnovers. With 48 seconds remaining, Vanguard took their first lead of the game – one they would never relinquish. Despite only suiting up seven players compared to 12 for SDC, the Blue and Gold used a low tempo offensive to battle for the full 40 minutes.
Hot shooting by VU in the second period allowed them to push what was a one-point margin to 11 by the intermission. San Diego Christian remained in the contest by outscoring the Lions 36-16 in the paint, but Vanguard drained 12 more shots from behind the arc. By the fourth quarter, the Pride had created a 24-point margin with 3:11 left to go, and the Hawks ended the game with a 19-point deficit.
Why It's Important? This is the first time the Blue and Gold have suited up for a contest in 321 days. Vanguard is now 48-1 all-time against San Diego Christian. In her first career start, Lauren Baumgartner (SO/Meridian, ID) recorded a double-double as the team is navigating the departure of the all-time assists leader in program history Victoria Chea.
Notable Performances: Gabriela Rosas (JR/Chihuahua, Mexico) had her best performance in her career, recording a game-high 27 points on 10-17 shooting from the field. Tristen Rollon (SR/Cerritos, CA), who battled foul trouble late in the second half, was 9-19 from the field for 23 pints. Baumgartner got hot in the second half to score 19 points to go along with 10 assists. Michaella Elad (SR/Ontario, CA) once again controlled the boards for the team, finishing with 16 total and seven on the offensive end.
What They Said? Head Coach Russ Davis – "It was good to see the ladies on the floor today competing, as today was the first time we played 5 on 5 full court in six weeks. We had to navigate having more players in street clothes than playing today, but I am proud of them! We have lots of work ahead, but they will work hard and get it done. Tristen and Gabby got it going early, Lauren had a big second half offensively, and Michaella dominated the boards as usual." Gabriela Rosas – "Thank you to Vanguard and the Athletics Department for setting us up for today! Some of the things that I thought really attributed to today's win was teamwork. When we started off it was hard, but we made some adjustments, listened to our coaches and that really helped up to get the win."
Next Up: Friday, January 29th and Saturday, January 30th against Simpson University at 4:30 and 4:00 p.m.
#ClawsUp
