GULF SHORES, Ala. – Vanguard began its quest to win a third consecutive national title with a split in Pool B at the AVCA Division II Championships at Gulf Shores Public Beach.

The Lions swept Emmanuel 3-0 before taking No. 2 seed Tampa to the limit, falling 3-2 to finish 1-1 in pool play.

No. 11 seed VU now moves to the Challenge Round, where it will face top seed CUI on Friday at 6:00 a.m. (PT).

Vanguard 3, Emmanuel 0

Tournament format requires that a match is finished once a team reaches three points.

The Lions accomplished that by winning at the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5 spots in the lineup.

Emma Galloway and Thea Snider topped Ellie Jackson and Isabela Zukowska at the ones by scores of 21-14, 21-17.

At the twos, Paige Cutwright and Madison Arnold earned a 21-17, 21-13 win over Aaliyah Lobendahn and Cailin Pritchard.

The Lions also won at the fives with Logan Daniels and Natalie Hill providing a 21-17, 21-12 triumph over Maisy Farrow and Faith Kelly.

Tampa 3, Vanguard 2

The Lions have faced some of the top competition from NCAA Division I and II all season, so it was no surprise that the Blue and Gold hung with the second-seeded team in the tournament field.

Vanguard won at the bottom two spots on the ladder.

At the fours, Cassie Smits Van Oyen and Gianna Pecile took Anna Bayes and Brooke Green to the wire, defeating them 21-19, 21-18.

Daniels and Hill completed a 2-0 afternoon with a solid 21-18, 21-16 decision against Samantha Ostrander and Meghan Schreck at the fives.

VU had its best chance to complete the upset win at the threes. Katie Alexander and Anne Mayfield went to three sets, but fell 21-12, 17-21, 15-12 to Madelynn Hokanson and Hailey Peterson.

VU battled at the top two spots, but Galloway and Snider fell 21-16, 21-18 to Elizabeth Price and Angel Williams at the ones. 

In the No. 2 position, Hailey Wolfe and Nevaeh Wolfe won by identical 21-11, 21-11 scores over Cutwright and Arnold.

What Was Said?: "We are beyond pumped to be here," said Head Coach Kris Dorn. "This is a beautiful event to have the privilege of competing in. Today was really the first day we saw what NCAA DII Beach Volleyball is across the board. And our ladies stepped right into the fight. To take the No. 2 seed Tampa to the distance (a team who has historically dominated this league) is an excellent boost. Can't wait for tomorrow."

What's Next?: The Lions hope that third time is a charm as they have faced CUI twice this season, losing both times by 5-0 scores.