NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – For the final time this season, Vanguard University (8-7) played outside of NAIA competition, as they battled against NCAA Division I teams Cal State University – Northridge (6-9) and the University of the Pacific (1-1). The Lions are a perfect 8-0 against NAIA schools this season and 28-4 all-time.
What Happened? The day opened with the Blue and Gold competing against CSUN for the second time this season. Before any players took the stand, the Pride was already behind 1-0 as they had to forfeit the fifth pair due to injury. On Court One, Conley Harris (JR/Brea, CA) and Natalie Escher (JR/Redlands, CA) fought hard, but they were barely defeated by 21-19, 22-20 scores. Vashti Elias Romero (SO/Redlands, CA) and Sydney Irwin (SO/Moorpark, CA), playing in Flight Three, were defeated by 21-11,21-18 margins. Second seeded duo Kayla Tinker (SR/San Clemente, CA) and Carly McKinney (SR/Mission Viejo, CA) were bested 21-15,21-17. Finally, Hally Herder (SO/Highlands Ranch, CO) and Kenzie Bouse (SR/Willard, MO), who played a pair higher than normal, were defeated 21-17,21-11.
Even despite having to give away one point to forfeit, the Pride nearly came back to win as it was tight throughout. Top Pair Harris and Escher took care of Hanne De Schrijver and Sedona Sherman in 21-16,21-19 scores. On Court Two, Tinker and McKinney dispatched Gabby Leo and Hania Taduran 21-19,21-16. Irwin and Romero lost in straight sets 21-17,21-19. The difference maker was in the fourth pair as it went into the third set. After losing 11-21 in the opener, Allyson Scharrer (FR/Newport Beach, CA) and Emily Hall rallied to win 21-14 before ultimately falling 15-7.
Why It's Important? In the dual against UOP, the Lions had their best performance against a D1 team in a loss. They have three program victories over top level NCAA teams (Cal State LA twice and Missouri State). This is the second-best season record in program history, only trailing the 2019 team who finished the year 15-11 and was the AVCA Small School Championships Runner-Up.
What They Said: Head Coach Kris Dorn – "We didn't play our best volleyball today as we let our opponents dictate the pace of the matches, and we let go of our technique as the sun got hotter. It's a lot to take away so we can be sharp for next weekend."
What's Next: The Lions will host OUAZ on Friday, April 9th for the first GSAC Tournament Championship in conference history, starting at 11:00 a.m.
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