MALIBU, Calif. – The Vanguard beach volleyball team took on their two toughest opponents yet in 2024, picking up some valuable experience in back-to-back 5-0 losses to NCAA Division I opponents Pepperdine and Long Beach State.
The Pepperdine Challenge presented a formidable challenge as the host Waves came in ranked No. 19 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, while the Beach sat at No. 10.
Vanguard kept it fairly close at the top three spots in the Pepperdine match, while Long Beach State showed too much firepower. It was the season opener for both NCAA opponents, while the NAIA eighth-ranked Lions left Malibu 3-4 on the season.
No. 19 (NCAA) Pepperdine 5, No. 8 (NAIA) Vanguard 0
After an opening loss at the fours, the No. 2 Lion pair of Madi Nash and Madison Arnold competed solidly against Pepperdine's Gabriella Perez and Kaydon Meyers, falling by scores of 21-16, 21-19.
The Waves clinched the victory at the threes, but not without a fight from Paige Cutwright and Gianna Pecile. The Lions lost by identical 21-16, 21-16 scores to Madison Oriskovich and Kristine Briede.
Emma Galloway and Hannah Wilmes also gave a strong account at the ones as they scrapped against Kate Clermont and McKenna Thomas, falling 21-18, 21-15.
The Waves closed out the match with a win at the fives. In an exhibition match, VU's Ana Broadhead and Reece Fisher knocked off Grace Jackson and Lauren Cook, 17-21, 21-14, 15-13.
No. 10 (NCAA) Long Beach State, No. 8 (NAIA) Vanguard 0
The Beach came in ranked top-10 in NCAA Division I and certainly lived up to that billing with lopsided victories at the twos through fives.
Vanguard changed up its pairs for this match, putting Galloway and Nash at the ones. That pairing gave LBSU the most difficulty, going up against Malia Gementera and Taylor Hagenah. The Lions lost 21-16, 21-14.
Cutwright and Arnold joined forces at the twos, while Kortney Hitt and Pecile played together for the first time at the threes.
In addition, Bailey Coffin and Logan Daniels competed at the fours, while Fisher and Broadhead were promoted to the fives.
What Was Said?: "Great matches today," said Head Coach Kris Dorn. "We are blessed to play against strong, quick and taller opponents. It's a huge learning experience where we can test adjustments and compete."
What's Next?: The Lions return to Malibu next weekend to take on three more NCAA foes in the Pepperdine Malibu Invite. VU faces Arizona on Friday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. before squaring off versus Boise State and San Francisco on Saturday.
