COSTA MESA, Calif. – Vanguard University (6-5, 3-3) weathered the storm of competing without their starting setter, but Chandler Nelson (SO/Colorado Springs, CO) filled in admirably for the Pride. The Lions won 25-15,25-16,23-25,25-18 to pick up their third victory this season against the Royals who fall to 0-8, 0-5 on the season.
What Happened? After initially falling behind 6-2, the Lions grabbed the lead at 12-11 and never looked back. Danielle Bellfi (JR/Murrieta, CA) served the Lions home from 22-15 all the way to the first set victory. Once again during the second set, it was service runs by Mallorie Post (SR/Federal Way, WA) and Bellfi which helped the Pride opened up an 11-5 edge. Although HIU closed it to a 14-13 gap, the Lions scored 11 of the next 14 points to take a commanding 2-0 lead in sets. During the third frame, it was much tighter throughout and the Royals fought back from a 15-13 deficit to take a 18-5 lead. The Pride closed it to a 20-21 margin, but the HIU held on for the set win. Not wanting it to stretch to a fifth set, Vanguard took the best shot from Hope International as they battled back from an 11-6 deficit to only a 15-13 difference. Service runs by Cambria Fernandez (JR/Northridge, CA) and Nelson sealed the seven-point win for the Lions.
Why It's Important? The Blue and Gold stopped a two-match slide (three if you include the exhibition sandwiched between) and evened up their conference record at .500. Vanguard is 47-6 all-time against Hope International and have won seven of the last 10 matches. The two teams will meet for the fourth and final time next week.
Top Performers: The Lions put three into double figures for kills led by 13 from Bellfi who took a match high 43 swings; Samantha Arellano (JR/Tulare, CA) and Bailey Olbur (FR/Las Vegas, NV) tallied 11 and 12 respectively. Nelson handed out 40 of the teams 51 assists in her first career start. Fernandez narrowly edged out Kynzel Mitzel with 30 digs compared to 29. Vanguard was impressive at the net with six solo blocks and eight block assists – highlighted by three each from Olbur.
What They Said: Chandler Nelson – "Tonight was just about keeping calm and focusing on being a team and just serving each other, and I think we did a really good job of it. Throughout the game we kept a good consistent energy and it was super fun!"
What's Next: Saturday, March 13th against La Sierra University at 7:00 p.m.
#ClawsUp
