California Baptist University
Vanguard University (Calif.)
GOING OUT IN STYLE
11/6/2007 8:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. ? Seven seniors took California Baptist out in style Tuesday night for CBU's final regular season home game with a 3-0 (30-23, 30-26, 30-18) win over Vanguard. The Lancers (24-3, 17-2 GSAC) got 21 kills from Verania Willis to help CBU clinch at least second in the Golden State Athletic Conference. The win over the Lions (10-14, 8-11 GSAC) makes up for a late season upset Vanguard pulled last year against CBU.
“It was a great night overall that was filled with a lot of fun,” said CBU head coach Ryan McGuyre. “It was a well-rounded night and a great way to close the home season.”
Willis was just two digs short of a double-double, but Yudelka Bonilla earned her 11th double-double of the year with 11 kills and 11 digs. Kayla Van Duyn recorded a match-high 36 assists. Senior Lauren Briley recorded 12 digs while Mical Bell had three aces.
The Lancers trailed 12-9 in the opening game, but used a 6-0 run to force a Vanguard timeout, but it couldn't stop the Lancers' momentum as CBU took a 1-0 match lead. CBU trailed in game two for just a brief time, but took the led for good when it broke a 5-5 tie. The Lions got within two, 21-19, later in the game, but the Lancers used a 5-1 run to take a 20-16 lead before taking the 2-0 match lead. CBU closed out the match with ease winning 30-18 in the final game.
It was the final home regular season game for seniors; Willis, Bonilla, Van Duyn, Briley, Caitlin Parker, Brittney Barton and Angela Willis who's been injured for the second half of the season.
“There are so many memories that are irreplaceable that are really not related to volleyball,” said McGuyre. “God took a team that was broken in 2005 and made us whole. The mission trips we took over the last couple of years are just part of so many memories all smashed into one. I have bonded so close with this team because of so many of the challenges and triumphs we have had.”
The Lancers now close the regular season Saturday at Biola before it kicks off the NAIA Region II playoffs hosting a first round game Nov. 13.
