Box Score COSTA MESA, Calif. - The continuation of the seven-game to determine the GSAC West Division Champion has finally crowned a winner as the seventh ranked Lions (7-3,4-1) swept Hope International (4-4,1-4). Tonight, they recorded their second straight sweep, fifth on the season, and 13th in program history.
What Happened? The match started out with the team exchanging points but from the moment it was 6-6, Vanguard took ultimate control. They went on to outscore the Royals 19-8 as they cruised to an easy opening set victory. The second frame started in the same fashion, but the scrappy Royals kept battling even without their top offensive weapon. Vanguard took a 10-10 tie and grabbed command of the contest, leading 17-10. After a string of blocks and aces, HIU burned their final timeout of the set trailing 22-11. The Blue and Gold held first and won by nine points to take a dominant 2-0 lead in sets. Just like the two that preceded it, the third and final set was neck and neck until 13-13 when it appeared that the Pride had begun to take control. HIU fought back to tie it at 20-20 and again at 23-23. Serving at match point, Vanguard secured the victory 26-24.
Why It's Important? On the day where the latest NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll came out, and the Lions stayed at their previous ranking, Vanguard secured a spot in the GSAC Championship for the first time in program history. The Blue and Gold has run their program record to 6-1 against the Royals including 4-1 this season. Gone are four of the six straight contests against HIU and seven in total. The Pride will now compete in its first ever post-season contest on March 27th.
Top Performers: Kyle Anema (JR/La Mirada, CA) recorded a match high 16 kills on .481 attacking and Matthew Roussin (JR/Anaheim Hills, CA) was the only other Lion in double digit kills. Bryce Thompson (JR/Los Alamitos, CA) handed out 36 assists and Cameron Way (JR/Dana Point, CA) record 13 digs – both of which were the highest marks for either team. At the net, Valesis Vaisual (FR/Hayward, CA) totaled three block assists with Roussin adding a pair as well.
What They Said: Kyle Anema - "Overall tonight we were really excited to come out and compete again. We've played this team many times so we know what to expect. I think we brought our "A" game tonight and communication was really high and I think that was one of the biggest keys to our win. "
What's Next: Wednesday, March 17th at Hope International University starting at 7:00 p.m.
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