Warriors Open Biola/Vanguard Kickoff Classic with Three-Set Match Against Host Eagles
LA MIRADA, Calif. — Stanislaus State volleyball opened play at the Biola/Vanguard Kickoff Classic on Thursday afternoon with a three-set match against host Biola University. The Warriors challenged the Eagles in the second and third sets before falling 25-16, 25-22, 25-20 at Chase Gymnasium. Stan State finished with 24 kills, five service aces, and three total team blocks in its tournament opener.
FIRST SET
Biola (3-2) jumped out to an early lead in the opening frame behind a strong service run and finished with a .286 team hitting percentage in the set. The Warriors managed eight kills on 26 swings, led by Malia Tanksley and Christallynn Tate, while Irene London and Isabella Saucedo contributed defensively at the net. Biola's service pressure and transition offense carried them to a 25-16 set win.
SECOND SET
Stanislaus State responded with its strongest effort in the second, building an early lead and holding a 7-3 edge before Biola rallied. The Warriors served aggressively and forced six attack errors from the Eagles, including three service aces in the set. Stanislaus led late at 20-19, but Biola closed with a 6-2 run to take the set 25-22 despite strong setting from Kryslin James and a block from Teagan Irish and Irene London.
THIRD SET
The final set saw several ties early on as Stan State (0-4) kept pace with Biola. Emily Meyer and Tate each notched key kills during a mid-set stretch, and the Warriors held a brief 17-16 advantage before Biola surged back in front. The Eagles closed the match on a 9-3 run, taking the third set 25-20. Stanislaus hit .107 in the set with eight kills and just five errors.
WARRIOR NOTABLES
- Christallynn Tate led the Warriors with six kills and added a block assist.
- Emily Meyer finished with four kills and four digs.
- Irene London contributed two blocks and two kills on five swings (.400 hitting).
- Kryslin James paced the offense with 11 assists.
- Leah Mendoza recorded 14 digs to lead all Warriors defensively.
- Victoria Plumb served a team-best three aces.
- Stan State recorded five total service aces and 36 digs as a team.
UP NEXT
The Warriors will continue their play at the Biola/Vanguard Kickoff Classic tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 12, in Costa Mesa, Calif., on the campus of Vanguard University. Stan State is scheduled for a doubleheader, facing Azusa Pacific at 10:00 a.m. and host Vanguard at 6:00 p.m.
Stanislaus State will conclude the tournament on Saturday, Sept. 13, with a 1:00 p.m. matchup against Texas Permian Basin, also held in Costa Mesa.
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