Lions split on first day

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

College of Idaho Tournament

CALDWELL, Idaho — The tournament host handed Vanguard its first loss of the season with a 25-23, 25-19, 19-25, 25-19 win Friday night.

Sophomore setter Carly Maxwell had 31 assists, four digs and a service ace for the Lions, ranked No. 10 in the NAIA preseason poll.

Freshman Rachael Barker led Vanguard (1-1) with 10 kills, while sophomores Ashli Bellinger and Jessica Neves had nine kills each. Sophomore Kelly Heenan, a Newport Harbor High product, and Bellinger combined for 29 digs, with each player’s individual dig total besting the highest on the opponent’s side.

Earlier, Vangaurd defeated Eastern Oregon, 22-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18, in the season opener.

Bellinger had a match-high 12 kills and three service aces, while Maxwell chipped in 39 assists. Heenan had 18 digs.

Vanguard looks to rebound Saturday in an 8 a.m. match against William Jessup University. Vanguard’s final match of the tournament is slated for 2 p.m. against Lewis-Clark State College.