COSTA MESA – Goals from Payton Siurek (SR/Temecula, CA) and Madelyn Diaz (SR/San Clemente, CA) lifted the Vanguard women's soccer team to a 2-0 triumph over Antelope Valley at VU Soccer Field on Tuesday afternoon.

The Lions improved to 2-1-1 on the year while the Pioneers dropped their season opener.

Vanguard dominated the entire 90 minutes, outshooting Antelope Valley 29-3. The Lions held a 12-0 advantage in corner kicks and VU goalie Jordin Holmquist-Wilder (SO/Temecula, CA) was not forced to make a save in picking her second shutout of the 2022 campaign. Jessica Gravieson made eight saves for the Pioneers.

Rachel Penick (FR/San Diego, CA) took a game-high seven shots, while Alyssa Fong (SO/Rescue, CA) had six and Kennedy Cypher (FR/Lake Tapps, WA) five.

What Happened?: The Lions outshot the Pioneers 13-0 in the first half, but the two teams went into halftime scoreless. Gravieson was tested early and often, but she was up to the task with seven first half stops.

The Lions scored their first goal in the 65th minute following a series of connecting passes. Diaz started the sequence sending a pass upfield to Penick. Penick flicked the ball with her left foot to Siurek, who took it in perfect stride and found net with a low strike to the left corner.

It was Siurek's second goal of the season and the third of her career. Penick added her team-leading third assist.

Vanguard went up 2-0 just a smidge over 11 minutes later thanks to another solid passing display. Siurek built the attack with a pass into the left corner for Cypher. Cypher sent a beautiful left-footed cross that Diaz – positioned on the doorstep of the goal – headed easily into the right corner.

Diaz notched her second goal of the year as well as her seventh career score. Cypher's assist was her first as a Lion.

The 29 shots was a season-high and the most for the program since Mar. 4, 2021 against San Diego Christian.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions had a solid defensive effort in tallying their second shutout. No opponent has scored a goal against the Lions in the flow of play, with all three goals allowed coming on a penalty kick and two set pieces.

What Was Said?: "Feels great to be back in the win column, but today was only a step in the right direction," said Head Coach Lauren Mascaro. "We have much to improve but the fortunate thing is we have a lot of season still in front of us. Getting the shutout today was a big win for our backline and Jordin, and having a diversified group of goal scorers/assists shows the versatility we have."

What's Next?: The Lions return to action on Labor Day, hosting Benedictine Mesa at 1:30 p.m. The men's soccer team takes on Chapman in game two of the doubleheader at 4:00 p.m.