LONG BEACH, Calif. – The Lions (4-2) traveled to Long Beach State (2-2), leaving NAIA play for the first time, to take on the #17 ranked 49ers as well as the seventh ranked Lions of Loyola Marymount (5-1). Playing against NCAA Division I competition, Vanguard fell by 5-0 counts against both squads which were their first defeats of the season.
What Happened? Conley Harris (JR/Brea, CA) and Natalie Escher (JR/Redlands, CA), who were recently named GSAC Pair of the Month, fell by 23-21,21-17 scores to Mari Molinal and Tyler Spriggs. Kayla Tinker (SR/San Clemente, CA) and Carly McKinney (SR/Mission Viejo, CA) forced extra points in the first set but lost 22-20,21-17. Vashti Elias Romero (SO/Redlands, CA) and Sydney Irwin (SO/Moorpark, CA) were defeated in matching 21-7 scores. Emilee Hall (SO/Redondo Beach, CA) and Allyson Scharrer (FR/Newport Beach, CA), on Court Four, were bested 21-14,21-12. The final pairing of Kenzie Bouse (SR/Willard, MO) and Mackenzie Mitchel lost 21-4,21-1. In the second match of the day, it was a dual of Lions. Loyola Marymount came on top with straight sets victories as Harris/Escher were bested 21-17,21013 and McKinney/Tinker lost 21-8,21-9. On Courts Three and Four, Romero/Irwin lost 21-11,21-7 and Hall/Sharrer lost 21-10,21-9. Mitchell/Bouse wrapped up play with 21-9,21-4 scores.
Why It's Important? This marks the first time this season where the top seeded pair of Harris and Escher as well as pair four Hall and Scharrer were defeated. The Pride falls to 0-3 against LBSU and 0-6 all-time against LMU. In its brief three-year history, Vanguard Beach Volleyball holds a complete record of 28-28.
What They Said? Head Coach Kris Dorn – "I am really proud of these ladies who did not back down from the challenge of playing top ranked NCAA opponents, and who displayed great teamwork and belief in each other through the process."
What's Next? Tomorrow, Saturday, March 6th against Arizona Christian and OUAZ in Santa Clarita
#ClawsUp
