FULLERTON, Calif. – The #12 Lions (6-4) took on the Hope International Royals (1-5) for a fourth time this season, although this contest will officially go down as a non-conference matchup. Vanguard got revenge on an earlier loss by HIU, winning 73-47.
What Happened? Vanguard jumped out to a quick lead, blowing open a 3-2 ballgame to a 21-2 advantage during a four-minute stretch of the first quarter. Leading by 19 points heading into the second period and continued to build it until it was 35-8 with 1:56 to go before the half. At the intermission, it was a 19-point difference but the Lions were not done scoring and was able to thwart any attack by the Royals and preserve a 54-34 count at the end of the third quarter. Leading by 28 with just over three minutes to go, the Pride could never get over the hump of leading by 30 points.
Why Its Important? The Blue and Gold stopped a four-game slide, with three of the loses coming in consecutive games at the hands of the fourth ranked Westmont Warriors. It gives the Pride a punchers chance of reaching the postseason for the 19th consecutive season.
Notable Performances: Lauren Baumgartner (SO/Meridian, ID) shot 50% from the floor to tally a game high 19 points and just missed out on a triple-double with eight rebounds and nine assists. Gabriela Rosas (JR/Chihuahua, Mexico) sank 3-6 from behind the arc on her way to 17 points while Estefania Giner (SO/Chihuahua, Mexico) scorer 14 points in only 19 minutes on the floor. Michaella Elad (SR/Ontario, CA) was once again a dominant force on the boards with 13; Aggie Manu (JR/Cypress, CA) recorded a career high eight points along with six rebounds.
What They Said: Lauren Baumgartner – "I think that we came out really strong and worked together. I think our adjustment in our defense to all man is what really sealed the lead. Then we just finished strong and powered through the contact on their fouls."
What's Next? The Lions will stay ready and waiting to see if they grab one of the at-large berths in the upcoming NAIA National Championships
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