GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Vanguard beach volleyball team tangled with one of their Golden State Athletic Conference rivals in the 2023 season opener on Friday morning at Victory Lanes Sports Complex, coming away with a 3-2 victory against No. 10 The Master's.
The second-ranked Lions won their 23rd straight regular season match against a GSAC opponent dating back to 2020. Four of the five matches went to three sets.
What Happened?: The No. 5 team of Jacqueline Majors (SO/Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) and Chloe Knudson (SO/Coeur D' Alene, ID) clinched the team victory after dispatching Ellie Unruh and Isabela Rodriguez in a tight 21-16, 18-21, 15-11 battle.
Vanguard got down 1-0 in the match at the No. 4 spot, where TMU's Breanna Brooks and Ellie Nieces downed Bailey Coffin (JR/Tustin, CA) and Madison Arndld by 11-16, 21-18, 15-9 scores.
The Lions battled back with wins at the top two spots to take a 2-1 lead.
At No. 2, Emma Galloway (SO/Del Mar, CA) joined forces with newcomer Hannah Wilmes (FR/Thornton, CO) against the Mustang duo of Kassidy Wilson and Violet Avila. The Lion tandem overcame a first set deficit, earning the 17-21, 21-15, 15-9 triumph.
VU captured its only straight sets win at No. 1, as the All-American duo of Conley Harris (SR/Brea, CA) and Morgan Nash (SR/Tucson, AZ) took the 21-15, 21-16 decision over Evi Yates and Annika Booker.
After Majors and Knudson secured VU's team win, the match played out at No. 3 with the brand new pairing of Hailey Petersen (SR/Omaha, NE) and Madi Nash (SR/Tucson, AZ). The program newcomers fought hard and won a closely contested second set, but ultimately fell 21-12, 19-21, 15-11 to Chloe Johnson and Zoe Kira.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions got off to a solid start in the first of 12 regular season matches against GSAC opponents.
What Was Said?: "Season has begun and it is great to be tested from the first serve," said Head Coach Kris Dorn. "Our entire conference has grown in strength and it's going to be a real battle. We're proud of the tone we were able to set, and we are also well aware that we are just starting our journey towards greatness. We're looking forward to tomorrow!"
What's Next?: The Lions will face No. 12 Hope International at 8:00 a.m., followed by host Arizona Christian at 1:00 p.m. at Victory Lanes Sports Complex on Saturday.
