COSTA MESA -- Vanguard women's basketball romped to 50-point win on Tuesday night in Pacific West Conference play, as the squad beat Hawaii Hilo 99-49. Vanguard trailed for only a couple of minutes in the entire game and shot an emphatic 52.6% from the field on the night. The largest win of the conference season for Vanguard propels the squad to 15-5 overall and 11-3 in the PacWest, while Hilo dropped to 5-17, 3-12.
The Lions now own the highest score in a game by a PacWest program in 2025-26, beating out UHH, who had 98 themselves against Alaska Fairbanks. Another PacWest milestone was grabbed by
Micaela Hanning, who had 14 assists on the night to move into a tie for second all-time for assists in a single game in the conference. She is the fourth to have done so since 2009 and was one off the leading 15, which has been done six times by four different players.
Six Lions had 10 or more points, with
Kaylee Byon's 16 leading the way, as the guard made seven of her eight shots tonight.
Kayla Boozer had 14 points and rebounds for her second double-double, which set her season-high for boards and was the second time she has scooped up 14 points this year.
Emma Schaaf had 13 points, four blocks, and eight rebounds, while both
Jaryn Madsen and
Aryanna Hudson each made three shots from beyond the arc.
Hanning had 10 points to net a rare assist and point double-double, and
Akilah Kubi had 10 points.
Vanguard's 51-27 edge in rebounds included a 19-9 lead in offensive boards, which the Blue and Gold turned into 25 second-chance points.
What Happened? The Vulcans held a lead for about a minute, as the opening triple went to the visitors. But a mid-range jumper by Kubi, with an assist from Hudson, followed by a score-and-steal for Kubi, hurled Vanguard for the first time. Another UHH layup restored the edge to the Vulcans, but Hudson banked in a three to vault the Blue and Gold to a lead they would not let go of.
Hudson made another three a short time later off a nice pass in transition from Byon, and a trey by PacWest Player of the Week Schaaf increased the advantage to 17-7. A jumper by Hanning and a splash down from downtown by
Shayla O'Neil accelerated the Lions ahead 24-7, with the score at the end of one showing Vanguard ahead 29-10 after
Natalie Scherzer sank a three with 15 seconds left in the period.
VU went on to win the second quarter 26-10, making the halftime lead 55-20. The Lions won the third quarter 29-14, but the sides drew even in the fourth at 15-15.
What was Said? "I thought we came out with great energy and focus tonight," said Head Coach
Russ Davis. "By far, that was the best we shared the ball the entire year, along with good ball movement. 30 assists and only eight turnovers really makes me happy. Micaela and Kaylee had 22 assists and zero turnovers combined. That is unreal. We need to keep getting better, as our schedule is brutal coming up. Great to see Boozer back and healthy on the floor, and it showed with her double-double. Back to work tomorrow to keep growing."
Why is it Important? VU moved into a tie with Point Loma for third in the standings, though PLNU owns the tie breaker at the moment. CUI won tonight as is a game behind Vanguard.
The Lions have won all three games against UHH in the all-time series.
What's Next? Vanguard goes to Westmont for a pivotal rematch against the Warriors, who are a game ahead of VU. The Saturday contest is slated for 5:30 p.m.
