HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The No. 1 Vanguard beach volleyball team partook in the final leg of the GSAC Rounds on Friday afternoon, and came away with a pair of 5-0 victories against No. 3 OUAZ and San Diego Christian.
The Lions moved to 14-4 overall on the season and a perfect 10-0 against Golden State Athletic Conference opponents. VU has won six straight matches, including five in a row by 5-0 scores.
What Happened?: The Lions did not lose a set against either opponent.
Vanguard defeated OUAZ for the second time this season in a competitive match. At the ones, Conley Harris (SR/Brea, CA) and Natalie Escher (SR/Redlands, CA) topped Katia Dixon and Kate Pestova, 21-18, 21-13.
Morgan Nash (JR/Tucson, AZ) and Vashti Elias Romero (JR/Redlands, CA) downed Noel Chavarria and Katie Defer, 21-12, 21-16, at the twos. The threes featured Emma Galloway (FR/Del Mar, CA) and Carly McKinney (SR/Mission Viejo, CA) winning by identical 21-16, 21-16 scores against Katelyn Viray and Mattea Wilson.
In a close battle at the No. 4 pair, Hally Herder (JR/Highlands Ranch, CO) and Madison Arnold (FR/Chatsworth, CA) prevailed in a 21-16, 21-18 decision over Mia Lara and Amanda Carlson.
The closest set was played at the fives, where Chloe Knudson (FR/Coeur D' Alene, ID) and Cambria Fernandez (SR/Northridge, CA) went to extra points to take the 26-24 first set against Olivia Andersh and Zoey Mohring. The Lion duo had a much easier time taking the second set, 21-12.
The Lions continued to roll in their match with San Diego Christian. Harris and Escher made quick work of their Hawk opponents, winning 21-5, 21-9.
A tight battle occurred at the fours as Herder and Arnold stopped Aixa Crespo and Eliana Cho, 21-17, 21-19.
At the remaining three pairs, Vanguard allowed 10 or less points in three of the six sets.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions continue to build momentum heading toward the GSAC Tournament. With 14 wins, VU is one win shy of tying the program record set in 2019.
What Was Said?: "We love these weekends where the whole conference gets to complete in front of each other," said Head Coach Kris Dorn. "There was minimal wind and sun interference today so it was a chance for the ladies to shine. We are on the path of continued growth and today we saw some wise adjustments. Looking forward to tomorrow!"
What's Next?: The GSAC Rounds continue on Saturday with six matches at the Brookhurst and PCH courts. The Lions face No. 11 Arizona Christian at 10:00 a.m., followed by No. 2 The Master's at 2:00 p.m. OUAZ, Life Pacific, Hope International and San Diego Christian will also compete.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
March 25, 2022
Huntington Beach, Calif. (Brookhurst & PCH Courts)
No. 1 Vanguard 5, No. 3 OUAZ 0
1. Conley Harris/Natalie Escher (VU) def. Katia Dizon/Kate Pestova (OUAZ) 21-18, 21-13
2. Morgan Nash/Vashti Elias Romero (VU) def. Noel Chavarria/Katie Defer (OUAZ) 21-12, 21-16
3. Emma Galloway/Carly McKinney (VU) def. Katelyn Viray/Mattea Wilson (OUAZ) 21-16, 21-16
4. Hally Herder/Madison Arnold (VU) def. Mia Lara/Amanda Carlson (OUAZ) 21-16, 21-18
5. Chloe Knudson/Cambria Fernandez (VU) def. Olivia Andersh/Zoey Mohring (OUAZ) 26-24, 21-12
No. 1 Vanguard 5, San Diego Christian 0
1. Conley Harris/Natalie Escher (VU) def. Katie Call/Thea Snider (SDCC) 21-5, 21-9
2. Morgan Nash/Vashti Elias Romero (VU) def. Jewel McDonough/Jessica Pinasco (SDCC) 21-10, 21-13
3. Emma Galloway/Carly McKinney (VU) def. Breanna Agustin/Megan Flores (SDCC) 21-8, 21-13
4. Hally Herder/Madison Arnold (VU) def. Aixa Crespo/Eliana Cho (SDCC) 21-17, 21-19
5. Chloe Knudson/Cambria Fernandez (VU) def. Alyssa Aleman/Brianna Martindale (SDCC) 21-16, 21-5
