Costa Mesa, Calif - The Regis University Volleyball team fell to Vanguard University (Calif.) on Thursday night at the APU/CUI Tournament in California, 3-0 (20-25, 13-25, 15-25). The Rangers fall to 0-1, while the Lions start 1-0.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
To open the first set, the teams traded points before the Lions gained momentum with a four-point run to take a 9-5 lead. The Rangers responded with a kill from Isabella Smith off an assist from Nichols Bailey. Regis continued to battle, earning kills from Jacie Kaniho and Brooke Sanford, but still trailed 16-13. Vanguard maintained its rhythm, extending the lead to 20-15. Despite the Rangers' efforts to shift the momentum, the Lions closed out the set, 25-20.
 
Vanguard carried that momentum into the second set, jumping out to a quick 5-1 advantage. Trailing early, Smith recorded a kill after a VU error, but the Lions answered with a four-point run to regain control. Vanguard's offensive pressure proved too much as they secured the second set, 25-13.
 
In the third set, Sanford and Kaniho opened with a pair of kills, giving Regis an early spark, but the Lions surged ahead 8-3. The Rangers attempted to capitalize on Vanguard's errors, yet the Lions regained control and extended their lead to 17-6. Braiziah Dixon delivered back-to-back kills to keep Regis within reach. RU added a three-point run fueled by a Sanford kill and a pair of aces from Sanford. Regis would fall short 25-15 in the final set.
 
"Tough way to start the season, but we had some good learning moments, and we have so many new parts of our offense and defense that need and will work together to be great." Said head coach Joel List
 
"We want to move forward, going into tomorrow's matches being a better version of ourselves." Concluded Coach List
 
 
GAME NOTES
 
Isabella Smith and Jacie Kaniho led the Rangers' offense, totaling six kills.
 
Krissy Brei led the team with 10 digs.
 
Bailey Nichols totaled 21 assists.
 
Vanguards Adeline Galvanoni totaled 10 kills.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Rangers look to bounce back with a double header against Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) at 3:00 pm and Texas Woman's University at 7:30 pm MT.
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