COSTA MESA, Calif. – Competing for the final time in 2024 on Saturday, Academy of Art volleyball had nine different Urban Knights in the scoring column, but Vanguard emerged from Freed Center and the Pacific West Conference rematch with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-20) win.

Riding the emotional momentum of their own Senior Day ceremony, the Lions opened the match in front 17-7 before back-to-back kills from graduate student middle blocker Chandra Reed slowed the run. Graduate student opposite Claire Ricard would later join graduate student middle blocker/outside hitter Fina Tuinauvai blocking at the net then sent down a kill as ART U tried to hold VU from set point, but the home team ended up prevailing 25-15.

ART U faced a 14-7 deficit early in the second set then fought back with bursts of 4-1 and 3-1 as both Ricard and Tuinauvai continued to swing with success. Academy of Art was within four at 21-17, however, Vanguard rallied for each of the frame's final four scores, winning 25-17 to secure each of the two sets.

VU started the third well with a 15-7 advantage, but consecutive kills from Ricard and junior right side/middle blocker Katherine Von Kraut soon had the difference down to five. Points were traded the rest of the way, leading the Lions to a 25-20 result and the victory.

Wrapping up the year at 6-22 and 5-15 in PacWest matchups, the Urban Knights were paced by Ricard's 10 kills on a .421 hitting percentage. Senior setter Elly McInerney provided 16 assists, senior setter Lina Ellilä had 12, and freshman libero/defensive specialist Kyriah Trefren amassed nine digs.

Vanguard ends its first season in the PacWest at 13-11 overall and 10-10 in conference play. Morgan Cole posted a match-high 11 kills to lead the Lions.

This concludes the 2024 campaign for Academy of Art volleyball. For the latest news and information, and the upcoming season in review, check out www.ARTUAthletics.com.