Costa Mesa -- The second game of the year for Vanguard women's basketball saw the team grab a big lead early against the University of Saint Katherine. The Lions never trailed and blew by the Firebirds 73-35. VU goes to 2-0 overall, while USK falls to 4-2.
Men's Results: A block from Michaella Elad (SR/Ontario, CA) got the game going for VU, with Elad then nabbing her first offensive rebound of the game moments later. The Lions opened the scoring by working the ball to Airiana Madanski (SO/Gilbert, AZ), who buried the first triple of the contest. Elad then got her first two points the next time down the court by banking in a shot from close range. Melissa Akullu (SO/Kampala, Uganda) then made her first block of the night to keep the Firebirds off the scoreboard. VU was dominant down low at each end, as the Lions gave up only four points over the first period. Akullu and Elad were each a force to be reckoned with, as Akullu had seven points in the first and Elad five to go with a couple of blocks and rebounds between the pair. A three by Hannah Monty (JR/Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) with five seconds to go in the first pushed the lead to 24-4 at the end of the first quarter.
The Lions only managed 12 points in the second frame, as Akullu got in some foul trouble. Lauren Baumgartner (JR/Meridian, ID) got the scoring going in the quarter with a three, and Gabriela Rosas (SR/Chihuahua, Mexico) made her first layup soon after. Despite VU controlling the game, the team started to have some balls bounce out, as a dry spell kept both teams off the board. Elad ended the scoreless streak by bagging the next few points to negate the few points that the Firebirds scored. The clock quickly wound down and a late three from Alexa Silva (FR/Lemoore, CA) made the score 36-12 at halftime. VU shot 58% in the first quarter but fell to 23.8% in the second, ending up at 39.5% for the half. The Blue and Gold had a wide lead in the rebounding department at 33-12 after two quarters.
The third quarter was another dominant one for the Lions, as they outscored USK 22-9. Madanski got the frame going with a layup, with Elad and Rosas each adding in one of their own soon after. Elad thrived in the third, as she earned 10 points over the course of the third period. While the Firebirds put up a few more points in the third, VU continued to lock down their own end and took a 58-21 lead into the fourth.
Vanguard would cruise through the final quarter to take the win 73-35. Akullu was able to return in the fourth quarter and made hay at both ends to help her achieve her second career double-double, while Elad and Madanski each added to their point totals. The Firebirds played a little feistier quarter and put up 14 points but were never at the level that VU started the game at.
Elad had 21 points and 20 rebounds (11 O, 9 D) to lead the team in both categories. Madanski, on her birthday, was next with 16 points, going 3-9 form deep. Baumgartner was third on the team in scoring with 11 points and also added in five assists to pace the lineup. Akullu was next with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Lions shot 42.3% for the game, were 25.7% from downtown, and outrebounded the Firebirds 60-26.
Why is it important? The Lions are now 5-0 all-time against USK, with the team winning each with ease. Elad and Akullu have posted a double-double now in each game.
What's next? The Lions will play their first Golden State Athletic Conference match next on Thursday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m.
