Vanguard Knocks Biola from #1

On Tuesday night, #9 Vanguard defeated the #1 ranked team, Biola in front of a large and impressive crowd of 512. Vanguard’s head coach Eryn Leja said, “This win proves that this team is special and different and a lot of people are starting to see that.” Vanguard remains undefeated at 8-0 GSAC play while Biola falls to 7-1.

 Vanguard defeated Biola in four close and competitive sets. Vanguard won the first set 25-21 and managed to hold the lead all the way through while Biola trailed not far behind. Biola took set two with a 25-20 win. Both Vanguard and Biola fought for the win during the third set. They battled it out until Vanguard took the win 28-26 over Biola. Vanguard came out confident in set four and won the set 26-17 defeating the once undefeated team, Biola.

 Before the biggest game of the season, Coach Leja told her players, “Relax and play the game we’ve been playing.” Leja had complete confidence and trust in the team’s preparation and said, “ They weren’t anxious or worried. They have been playing so good that they knew what they needed to do. They were so smart and in the zone I had a feeling that they would win.”

 Senior Charlotte Heerlyn (Outside Hitter) led the team with 16 kills. Heerlyn said, “We were really confident going into the match because we have just been playing awesome this season.” She continued to say, “We have put in the hard work in practice to get this win.”

 Senior Rachael Barker was not far behind with 15 kills while freshman, Rebecca Lowden led the team with a match high 22 digs.

 Senior, Kelly Dalyrmple had 22 assists during the match and was thrilled with the win and said, “We trust each other so much.”

 Vanguard had been preparing for this game the entire season. It was because of that preparation that Vanguard was able to perform so well and beat their biggest rivals. Coach Leja said, “Anytime you upset a team that is ranked higher than you is a great feeling because that just bumps you up and gives your team a boost of confidence.”

 With this win under Vanguard’s belt, Heerlyn says that now, “We are looking for that GSAC Title and the National Championship.”