QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. – The supreme team in the Golden State Athletic Conference left no doubt on the sand at Casteel High School as Vanguard rolled to its second straight beach volleyball conference tournament title on Saturday.
The top-seeded Lions won both matches by 5-0 scores, defeating No. 5 seed San Diego Christian in the semifinals and No. 2 seed OUAZ in the championship match.
Vanguard earned the GSAC's automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship and extended its winning streak to 11 straight. The Lions improved to 19-4 overall and continued their dominance over GSAC competition, winners of all 14 matches this season against their conference brethren.
What Happened?: The Lions dropped just one set over the course of both matches.
The bottom of the lineup staked the Lions to a quick 2-0 lead against San Diego Christian in the first GSAC semifinal.
The No. 4 pair of Hally Herder (JR/Highlands Ranch, CO) and Madison Arnold (FR/Chatsworth, CA) collected a 21-15, 21-10 victory against Natalie Hill and Jocelyn Remick. At the fives, Chloe Knudson (FR/Coeur D' Alene, ID) and Cambria Fernandez (SR/Northridge, CA) rolled past Aixa Crespo and Eliana Cho, 21-11, 21-5.
VU clinched the victory at the threes, as Emma Galloway (FR/Del Mar, CA) and Carly McKinney (SR/Mission Viejo, CA) posted a commanding 21-15, 21-4 win again Megan Flores and Breanna Agustin.
Closing out the winning effort were VU's top two pairs.
Morgan Nash (JR/Tucson, AZ) and Vashti Elias Romero (JR/Redlands, CA) represented the twos in fine fashion, topping Jewel McDonough and Jessica Pinasco by 21-16, 21-7 scores. The top pair of Conley Harris (SR/Brea, CA) and Natalie Escher (SR/Redlands, CA) wrapped up the match with a 21-12, 21-19 triumph against Thea Snider and Katie Call.
The Lions drew OUAZ in the final for the second straight year after the Spirit defeated Arizona Christian in the second semifinal.
For the third time in a row this season, the Lions swept the Spirit.
The threes were the first to finish as Galloway and McKinney got VU on the board with their 21-15, 21-15 win against Mattea Wilson and Katelyn Viray.
Knudson and Fernandez won their ninth straight match, downing Zoey Mohring and Olivia Andersh in straight sets, 21-10, 21-15.
Top pair Harris and Escher clinched the championship for the Lions, making quick work of Katia Dixon and Kate Pestova with a 21-13, 21-11 victory.
The twos made the score 4-0 as Nash and Elias Romero posted a 21-17, 21-12 win over Noel Chavarria and Katie Defer.
At the fives, Herder and Arnold took three sets to get past Mia Lara and Amanda Carlson. Set scores went 16-21, 21-19, 15-8.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions, ranked No. 1 in the country, are assured of a spot at the NAIA Beach Volleyball National Invitational, which takes place in Panama City Beach, Fla. The Lions will be one of six participating teams. Three teams each will be divided up into Pool A and Pool B at the event.
What Was Said?: "What an amazing group of young women. In an extremely tough conference, to have back-to-back UNDEFEATED GSAC Championships is special," said Head Coach Kris Dorn. "We had to fight for every point, and we're not done yet. We can celebrate well now…and then we refocus for the next hurdle. So proud of these ladies and their attitudes, work ethic, and perseverance!"
What's Next?: VU will prepare for Nationals over the next 12 days. The Lions begin their quest for a national title on Thursday, April 21 in pool play competition.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
April 9, 2022
QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. (Casteel High School)
No. 1 Vanguard 5, No. 5 San Diego Christian 0
1. Conley Harris/Natalie Escher (VU) def. Thea Snider/Katie Call (SDCC) 21-12, 21-19
2. Morgan Nash/Vashti Elias Romero (VU) def. Jewel McDonough/Jessica Pinasco (SDCC) 21-16, 21-7
3. Emma Galloway/Carly McKinney (VU) def. Megan Flores/Breanna Agustin (SDCC) 21-15, 21-4
4. Hally Herder/Madison Arnold (VU) def. Natalie Hill/Josilyn Remick (SDCC) 21-15, 21-10
5. Chloe Knudson/Cambria Fernandez (VU) def. Aixa Crespo/Eliana Cho (SDCC) 21-11, 21-5
Order of Finish: 4, 5, 3, 2, 1
No. 1 Vanguard 5, No. 2 OUAZ
1. Conley Harris/Natalie Escher (VU) def. Katia Dizon/Kate Pestova (OUAZ) 21-13, 21-11
2. Morgan Nash/Vashti Elias Romero (VU) def. Noel Chavarria/Katie Defer (OUAZ) 21-17, 21-12
3. Emma Galloway/Carly McKinney (VU) def. Mattea Wilson/Katelyn Viray (OUAZ) 21-15, 21-15
4. Hally Herder/Madison Arnold (VU) def. Mia Lara/Amanda Carlson (OUAZ) 16-21, 21-19, 15-8
5. Chloe Knudson/Cambria Fernandez (VU) def. Zoey Mohring/Olivia Andersh (OUAZ) 21-10, 21-15
Order of Finish: 3, 5, 1, 2, 4
