Three VU players, coach recognized by conference

Three Vanguard University players and Coach Russ Davis were recognized by the Golden State Athletic Conference in women’s basketball.

Senior Lauren Gregory and juniors Diana Neves and Bridgette Reyes were named to the 14-player All-GSAC team in the 11-school conference.

Gregory, a versatile 6-foot-1 forward, averaged 13.6 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds to help the No. 2-ranked Lions earn the conference regular-season crown. Gregory, the only player to start all 29 games for the Lions, was also a starter on last year’s NAIA national championship squad. Gregory transferred to Vanguard from Drury University in Missouri before last season. She is 109 for 136 from the foul line (80.3%).

Neves, a 5-7 guard in her first season at Vanguard after transferring from Tusculum College, averaged 14.2 points and 4.0 rebounds. She is a native of Australia.

Reyes, a junior is in her second season with the Lions (26-3, 19-1 in conference), having begun her career at Boise State. The 5-7 former Tustin High standout averaged 10.1 points, despite starting only seven of the 28 games in which she appeared. Her ability to penetrate helped her net 95 foul shots, second on the team, and she is shooting 81.2% from the free-throw line.

Davis guided the Lions to the No. 1 seed in the eight-team conference tournament that begins tonight. Vanguard plays host to Fresno Pacific at 7:30 in a quarterfinal clash.

Point Loma Nazarene junior center Colleen Planeta is the Player of the Year.

— Barry Faulkner