Costa Mesa – Calif. - The 2017 volleyball season opened up with the Golden Eagles falling short to Vanguard University, 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 17-25, 19-25). Both teams struggled finding any type of rhythm with their attack, as they combined for 65 attack errors and neither team hitting over .063 for the match. It was the season opener for both teams in what is the only meeting of the season between the two programs.

The Lions jumped out to an early lead by taking Set 1 in convincing fashion. They led by as many at 10 points (18-8) before the Golden Eagles used a 10-3 run to cut the lead to 24-21. The Golden Eagles surrendered the set, 25-21 by committing one of their 11 service errors on the night.

La Sierra evened the match at 1-1 with a win in Set 2. The Golden Eagles held the lead for the majority of the set. Their largest lead was 20-15, before the Lions erased the advantage and tied the score at 23-23. Veronica Ramirez picked up two straight kills to salvage the victory in Set 2.

Vanguard answered back with wins in the next two sets to pick up their first victory of the season and hand the Golden Eagles their first loss on the year.

Shay Larson-Piper led all players with 13 kills in the match, for Vanguard.

Kiana Krumm and Michele Mendizabal each finished with eight kills for the Golden Eagles. Krumm also led the team with 13 digs. Ramirez added seven kills, five solo blocks, and two block assists for La Sierra.

Marissa Fregoso led the offensive attack with 17 of the Golden Eagles 30 total assists.

The team will participate in some scrimmages, at Azusa Pacific University, on August 21, before returning to action on August 24 & 25, when the team hosts the La Sierra University Invitational Tournament.