NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – No. 4 NAIA power Vanguard checked off a program milestone on Wednesday at Premier America Credit Union Arena, defeating NCAA Division I foe CSUN in three sets.

The Lions posted their first win over an NCAA opponent in the commanding 25-22, 25-20, 25-17 triumph.

Vanguard outhit CSUN .359 to .197 and received another tremendous effort from opposite Will Anderson (JR/Tualatin, OR), who posted 14 kills on .417 hitting. Outside hitter Kyle Anema (SR/La Mirada, CA) backed up that performance with a solid 11 kills, six digs and three block assists. The All-American hit .364 (11-3-22).

Tanner Woods (JR/Portland, OR) added seven kills on .333 hitting, while Valesis Vaisuai (JR/Hayward, CA) continued to produce in the middle. He chipped in six kills to go along with a match-high seven blocks, including three solo.

VU displayed a dominating block, outperforming the Matadors at the net 10.5-4.5.

Ryan Smith (SR/Parker, CO) ran the offense for the Lions and dished out 33 assists.

Kyle Hobus led CSUN with 11 kills.

The Lions improved to 2-1 on the season. The Matadors fell to 4-5.

What Happened?

Set 1

The Lions hit .464 to CSUN's .318 to pull out a closely contested 25-22 first set.

VU stormed out to a four-point lead as Anema's kill made it 6-2. The Matadors fought back to get within 12-11, but the Lions immediately reeled off three straight points to lead 15-11 at the media timeout.

Anema and Vaisuai collected back-to-back kills to extend the lead to 19-13 – their largest of the set – as the Matadors called timeout.

CSUN fired off a 9-4 run behind three kills from Hobus, cutting the VU lead to 23-22 and forcing a Lion timeout.

Anderson and Anema thwarted any further CSUN comeback, as back-to-back kills from the Lion leaders secured the win.

Set 2

The Lions took the lead midway through and poured it on toward the end in the 25-20 victory.

CSUN used a 4-1 run to turn a 4-4 tie into an 8-5 lead as VU called an early timeout. The Matadors remained in front until 13-13 when Watts banged down a kill. Anderson's smash gave the Lions a 14-13 lead, but a VU service error knotted the score again.

The Lions clung to an 19-18 lead but created cushion with a 5-1 run to get to set point. The Matadors committed three errors to aid the VU cause. CSUN fought off one set point to get to 24-20, but Watts gave VU a 2-0 lead in the match with a kill.

VU hit .292 in the set, while CSUN managed just a .179 clip.

Set 3

The Lions clamped down in holding the Matadors to just .095 efficiency in a dominating 25-17 victory.

The score was tied 8-8 when the Lions sprinted away on an 8-0 run. Anema started the surge with three straight kills, then he teamed up with Vaisuai to stuff Hobus at the net. Vaisuai got involved on three more blocks, combining with Anema again to create the 16-8 advantage.

Luke Krzmarzick notched consecutive kills to reduce the Matador deficit to 16-10, but two more CSUN errors widened the margin back to eight.

The Matadors could get no closer than six points the rest of the way. Woods, Anema and Anderson provided the final VU kills to close out the sweep.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions showed their capabilities in winning in decisive fashion against a Division I opponent.

What Was Said?: "Coach (Eric) Vallely and our student assistants Jordan Amling and Colin Hassoun (SR/Granite Bay, CA) did a great job scouting CSUN and letting our players know what to expect," said Head Coach Brian Rofer. "After that it was all about the team trusting what they do in training and practice everyday, and adjusting to their opponent. A good win for every member of our program."

What's Next?: The Lions face UC Merced in their home opener this Saturday at Calvary Chapel High School. First serve is 7:00 p.m.