COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Lions, who earlier in the day were elevated to the fifth spot in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, opened Golden State Athletic Conference play by hosting Orange County rival Hope International University (1-1,0-1). Vanguard (3-0,1-0) rallied back from losing the first set to take the contest 28-30,25-12,25-18,25-19.

What Happened? To start the match, the Royals were taking advantage of miscues from the Blue and Gold. HIU jumped out to a 10-5 lead which would be a margin the Lions could not overcome. Down 18-12, Kyle Anema headed to the service line and scored five straight for the Pride. Vanguard had a chance at set point with a 25-24 score, but would utlimately fall in extra play. The next set was a different story. The Blue and Gold came out juiced and dominated the Royals to the tune of a 13 point victory. The momentum didn't last long as the beginning of the third set was a 7-1 edge for HIU before the Lions regained control of the match and won by a seven point count. With their eyes set on ending the match, Vanguard firmly took control of the fifth and final set.

Why Its Important? Due to COVID-19 Protocols, the GSAC conference has split into West and East Divisions. However, with Menlo College opting out of playing in the Spring season, it leaves HIU and Vanguard as the lone teams in the division. This means the teams will play seven total times, alternating between Fullerton and Costa Mesa for the games. The winner of the best in seven, will play in the GSAC Championship.

Notable Performers: Anema continued to play at his elite level as he tallied 19 total kills while hitting at a .469 rate. The breakout performer of the contest, however, went to Matthew Roussin (JR/Anaheim Hills, CA) as he totaled 20 kills - a game high. Six total blocks were awarded with one going to Cody Watts (SO/Clovis, CA), two credited to Glen Linden (FR/Newport Beach, CA), and a trio to Roussin. Bryce Thompson (JR/Los Alamitos, CA) was busy in the match, handing out 50 assists as he guided the Lions offense.

What They Said: Matthew Roussin - "Some highlights tonight were definitely our blocking; we kinda adjusted to their best player, their best setter on their team. We definitely blocked his angle a lot better today. I think Bryce is definitely one of the best setters I've ever had and I think he spread around the ball perfectly so that we could get a lot of open hits. I think we prepared a lot because our coach always pushes us to do our best in practices and we're always in the gym running six on six and battling as much as possible."

What's Next? The Lions will step away from conference play to host Benedictine University at Mesa twice this weekend. Saturday's match begins at 11:00 a.m. in The Pit.

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