COSTA MESA, Calif. — Stanislaus State volleyball earned its first win of the 2025 season in impressive fashion Friday morning with a straight-sets sweep of Azusa Pacific. The Warriors returned to the court Friday evening for a competitive three-set match against host Vanguard, battling through tightly contested second and third sets before falling in straight sets. The split marked a strong showing for Stan State on day two of the Biola/Vanguard Kickoff Classic.

Stanislaus State 3, Azusa Pacific 0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-19)
First Set
The Warriors set the tone early with a fast and focused start in the morning matchup against Azusa Pacific (3-3). Stanislaus State opened the first set by establishing control at the net and finding quick rhythm in transition. Fallon Freeman and Malia Tanksley anchored the block while Isabella Saucedo led the offense with several timely kills. After building a mid-set lead, Stan State extended the gap behind back-to-back service aces from Irene London and consistent setting from Kryslin James. The Warriors closed the frame 25–20 to take the early advantage.

Second Set
Set two featured seven ties and four lead changes in a tightly contested frame. Stanislaus State found separation midway through the set behind strong two-way play from Emily Meyer and service pressure from Saucedo and London. Shaelynn Pruiett facilitated the offense effectively while also notching several digs on defense. The Warriors took control late with a balanced attack that featured Freeman, Tanksley, and Saucedo each converting from multiple areas on the court. A pair of late aces from Saucedo sealed the set, 25–18, giving the Warriors a 2–0 lead.

Third Set
The third set remained close well into the late stages, with nine ties and six lead changes as Azusa Pacific pushed to stay alive. Stanislaus State responded with poised execution, highlighted by back-to-back service aces from James and another strong offensive stretch from Saucedo and Meyer. Freeman continued her dominant presence at the net, and the Warriors leaned on defensive specialists like Leah Mendoza and Lauren Gonzales to control Azusa's attacks. Stanislaus State used a 7–2 run to pull away and closed the match on an Azusa error for a 25–19 win and the sweep.

Warrior Notables vs. Azusa Pacific

• Isabella Saucedo posted a match-high 13.0 points, finishing with nine kills, 10 digs, and three service aces.
• Fallon Freeman was dominant at the net with eight kills and four blocks, hitting .333.
• Malia Tanksley added seven kills and two block assists while hitting over .300.
• Emily Meyer tallied six kills on .353 hitting, providing key momentum swings in sets two and three.
• Kryslin James recorded 22 assists, five digs, and two service aces — all career highs in a three-set match.
• Irene London turned in a career-best performance with five kills on .500 hitting, two service aces, and four blocks for a personal-best 9.0 points.
• Shaelyn Pruiett delivered a well-rounded match with 12 assists and nine digs.
• Lauren Gonzales and Leah Mendoza each contributed defensively with key digs and serve receive coverage.
• The Warriors out-hit Azusa Pacific .261 to .097, tallied 9 team blocks, and finished with 8 service aces in the victory.
• This win marks Stanislaus State's first victory over Azusa Pacific in the last five meetings between the programs.

Vanguard 3, Stanislaus State 0 (25-18, 28-26, 25-22)
First Set
Vanguard (4-1) took early control in the opening set, limiting Stan State to a .075 hitting percentage while converting key runs behind the service line. Despite 10 kills by the Warriors, the Lions held momentum throughout and claimed the set 25-18.

Second Set
Stanislaus State (1-5) responded with its best offensive set of the match, hitting .267 as a team and pushing Vanguard to extra points. The frame included 19 ties and five lead changes, with the Warriors holding a late 24–23 lead. Freeman, Saucedo, and Tate combined for 10 kills, but the Lions edged out a 28-26 win to go up two sets.

Third Set
The final set remained close, with 12 ties as the Warriors continued to apply pressure. Freeman and Tate added late kills and Gonzales and Mendoza held steady in serve receive. Vanguard used a late 3–0 run to break a 22–22 tie and secure the match with a 25–22 finish.

Warrior Notables vs. Vanguard

• Fallon Freeman led the team with 10 kills and added five digs.
• Christallynn Tate recorded nine kills and three total blocks.
• Isabella Saucedo posted seven kills and three digs.
• Kryslin James recorded her first career double-double with 18 assists and a career-high 14 digs.
• Leah Mendoza and Lauren Gonzales combined for 20 digs in the match.
• The Warriors registered 36 kills and six team blocks.

Up Next
Stanislaus State will finish its time in Costa Mesa with a 1:00 p.m. match tomorrow afternoon against Texas Permian Basin (2-4). The Falcons split their first two matches of the Biola/Vanguard Kickoff Classic, falling to Biola in three sets and defeating Azusa Pacific in five. They will face Vanguard at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow before taking on the Warriors later in the afternoon.

After that, the Warriors will play their first home match of the season and open CCAA play on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 5:00 p.m. against Cal State Dominguez Hills inside Fitzpatrick Arena. The matchup marks the beginning of a four-match homestand for Stan State.