Costa Mesa, Calif. - Opening their 2016 season on the road, the Golden Eagles women's volleyball team fell in straight sets to Vanguard University (25-20, 25-20, 25-21). The Lions offense overpowered the young Golden Eagles squad.

Outside hitters Michele Mendizabal and Kiana Krumm finished with 11 kills and 10 kills, respectively. Mendizabal added 11 digs, while Emily Morgan had a team-high 15 digs on the night. Setter Smriti Sharma led the team with 14 assists and 10 digs, with Marissa Fregoso adding 11 assists.

Vanguard outhit the Golden Eagles .200 to .088 and capitalized on 11 service errors by La Sierra. Both teams finished with 18 attack errors, with Vanguard tallying 41 kills on 115 attempts and the Golden Eagles picking up 29 kills on 125 attempts.

Jessica Chase led all players with a game-high 12 kills for the Lions, while Rebecca Lowden finished with 33 digs in the match.

After dropping the first two sets, the Golden Eagles led for the majority of the third set, but a late surge by the Lions secured the straight set victory in their season opener.

The women's volleyball team will play a scrimmage match at the Azusa Pacific Tournament (August 22). On September 1, the Golden Eagles will travel to the University of San Marcos for another non-conference match. They are scheduled to open the Cal Pac season, at home, versus Simpson University on Friday, September 16, at 2pm.