COSTA MESA, Calif. - After their season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Men's Volleyball team pressed on and continued to recruit some talented new recruits. They would come into this contest against the Saint Katherine FireBirds ranked 10th in the NAIA and would prove that they deserved this recognition with a three-set victory: 25-16, 25-9, 25-19. 

What Happened? The Lions would open up with a 7-3 advantage in the first set before the Firebirds were able to settle in and make it a 10-13 deficit after an attacking error by Kyle Anema (JR/La Mirada, CA). The Lions would go on a 6-1 run to press the advantage and a couple of attacking errors and a kill by Filippo Meoni (FR/Macerata, Italy) would seal the deal in the first. The Pride would start the second set with a bang and would never look back as they recorded 11 kills and only 2 errors for a .562 hitting percentage. They would continue their dominance in the third set at they jumped out to a 13-3 lead. St. Katherine would pull within three late to make it a 21-18 game, but the Lions sealed the deal with a couple of thunderous blocks. 

Why It's Important? This was the first collegiate Men's Volleyball contest west of the Mississippi and was the first contest in 316 days for the Pride. 11 players would make their season debut rocking the Blue and Gold.  In the program debut last year, the Lions also took down USK 25-13, 25-10, 25-16. 

Notable Performances: Kyle Anema had 11 kills and three service aces while Meoni finished with seven kills and only one error for a .353 hitting percentage. Bryce Thompson (JR/Los Alamitos, CA) picked up right where he left off with a well-rounded performance that inlcuded 30 assists, two aces, and two blocks. On the defensive end, Cameron Way (JR/Dana Point, CA) finished with game-high 14 digs. 

What They Said? "We came in everyday to practice, 5-6 days a week, and we just competed right from the start at practice. Once we got to scrimmaging, it was like we were having real games everyday," said Glen Linden (FR/Newport Beach, CA). "So when it came to an actual conference match, everything clicked and we really worked hard." Head Coach Brad Rostratter emphasized that, "we are so thankful for all of the work that went into this by Vanguard University. From President Beals all the way down to student workers so many people have played a massive role in giving these young men an opportunity to compete. Their effort was our way of thanking everyone for all of their time and work they put in."

Next Up: Friday, February 5th at Saint Katherine at 2:30 pm.

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