PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – Vanguard began the 2022 NAIA Women's Beach Volleyball Invitational with a pair of wins on Thursday, emerging as the winner of Pool A.

The top seed in Pool A, the Lions improved to 21-4 overall and extended their winning streak to 13 consecutive matches after defeating No. 3 seed Corban (Ore.) and No. 2 seed Webber International (Fla.) by identical 4-1 scores.

The six participating teams now advance to a single-elimination bracket. As the winner of their pool, the Lions earn a bye to Friday's semifinals, where they will play the winner of Round 1 between Webber and Park (Mo.). Webber finished third in Pool A, while Park was the runner-up in Pool B.

What Happened?: The Lions were involved in some tight matches throughout but prevailed at four of the five positions in both encounters.

Against Corban, Conley Harris (SR/Brea, CA) and Natalie Escher (SR/Redlands, CA) topped Makenna Campbell and Avari Ridgway at the ones, 21-14, 21-16.

At the twos, Morgan Nash (JR/Tucson, AZ) and Vashti Elias Romero (JR/Redlands, CA) outlasted Maya Blake and Nicole Bantilan in three sets by scores of 21-15, 19-21, 15-10.

Emma Galloway (FR/Del Mar, CA) and Carly McKinney (SR/Mission Viejo, CA) won their 20th match of the season at the threes. They eked out a 23-21 victory in set one against Cameron Keeling and Kianna Keeling before taking the 21-14 set two decision.

The fours featured Hally Herder (JR/Highlands Ranch, CO) and Madison Arnold (FR/Chatsworth, CA) earning a three-set victory over Briana Ayala and Jessica McMillian, 21-12, 15-21, 15-12.

Corban earned its only point at the fives. Jolinn Daviscourt and Megan Dennis posted a 21-19, 21-18 victory over Cambria Fernandez (SR/Northridge, CA) and Chloe Knudson (FR/Coeur D' Alene, ID).

In VU's second match of the day, the Lions took aim at Webber International. Harris and Escher rolled to victory at the ones, taking down Lily Arnold and Cindy Garcia Peñaloza, 21-11, 21-9.

Nash and Elias Romero won their 20th match of the season at the twos. They defeated Bailey Sikkema and Montana-Rae Pelak by scores of 21-17, 21-19.

The No. 3 pair of Galloway and McKinney earned a straight sets 21-17, 21-15 win over Wandaleen Harris and Sara Weisrock.

Overcoming a first set loss at the fours, Herder and Arnold roared back to topple Kiersten Tisdale and Jessica Terry, 20-22, 21-16, 15-10.

The Lions shook up the fives as Fernandez joined forces with Emilee Hall (JR/Redondo Beach, CA). The duo lost a tough three-setter to Brianda Valdez and Nadia Reid, 17-21, 21-10, 15-13.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions ensure themselves a little extra rest on Friday with the semifinal bye.

What Was Said?: "What a great introduction to a new venue, a new ball, and a new opponent," said Head Coach Kris Dorn. "Everyone is going to bring their best. We've got to balance the tension between earning the No. 1 spot and doing what we do best…while also remaining flexible and adaptable."

What's Next?: The Lions play their semifinal match on Friday at noon PT. In Pool B, No. 1 seed Westcliff will play in the other semifinal against the winner of Corban and OUAZ.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

April 21, 2022

Panama City Beach, Fla. (Panama City Beach)

No. 1 Vanguard 4, No. 6 Corban 1

1. Conley Harris/Natalie Escher (VU) def. Makenna Campbell/Avari Ridgway (COR) 21-14, 21-16

2. Morgan Nash/Vashti Elias Romero (VU) def. Maya Blake/Nicole Bantilan (COR) 21-15, 19-21, 15-10

3. Emma Galloway/Carly McKinney (VU) def. Cameron Keeling/Kianna Keeling (COR) 23-21, 21-14

4. Hally Herder/Madison Arnold (VU) def. Briana Ayala/Jessica McMillian (COR) 21-12, 15-21, 15-12

5. Jolinn Daviscourt/Megan Dennis (COR) def. Cambria Fernandez/Chloe Knudson (VU) 21-19, 21-18

No. 1 Vanguard 4, No. 5 Webber International 1

1. Conley Harris/Natalie Escher (VU) def. Lily Arnold/Cindy Garcia Peñaloza (WIU) 21-11, 21-9

2. Morgan Nash/Vashti Elias Romero (VU) def. Bailey Sikkema/Montana-Rae Pelak (WIU) 21-17, 21-19

3. Emma Galloway/Carly McKinney (VU) def. Wandaleen Harris/Sara Weisrock (WIU) 21-17, 21-15

4. Hally Herder/Madison Arnold (VU) def. Kiersten Tisdale/Jessica Terry (WIU) 20-22, 21-16, 15-10

5. Brianda Valdez/Nadia Reid (WIU) def. Emilee Hall/Cambria Fernandez (VU) 17-21, 21-10, 15-13