The Vanguard University women’s volleyball team earned a 3-1 victory over Hawaii Pacific University on September 19, 2026, at their home court in Costa Mesa, California. The Lions won the sets 25-15, 25-16, 24-26, and 25-23, improving their overall record to 5-6 and Pacific West Conference mark to 3-1. Hawaii Pacific dropped to 1-9 overall and 0-4 in conference play.
Vanguard started strong, dominating the first two sets before Hawaii Pacific mounted an 8-0 run in the third set that erased Vanguard’s match point and pushed the match to a fourth set. The Lions regrouped and secured the narrow final set win to close out the match.
Abigayle Gotwals led Vanguard with a career-best 14 kills, along with 11 digs, three blocks and one ace, marking back-to-back double-doubles. Freshman Meadow Hobbs recorded her first career double-double with 12 kills and a team-high 19 digs, adding two aces. Macy Kavanaugh posted her 12th career double-double with 22 assists and a career-best 16 digs. Sophomore setter Julia Ringenberg tallied 25 assists and led the match with three aces.
Senior middle blocker Kayla Robinson was errorless on 18 swings, hitting .389 with four blocks for her third faultless match of the season. Vanguard’s defense combined for a season-best 82 digs and outblocked Hawaii Pacific 10-6. Hawaii Pacific’s Sophia Cooper led her team with 14 kills and nine digs.
Vanguard prepares for their next home match against Chaminade University on September 21 at 7 p.m.
CSB Take
This Pacific West Conference match demonstrated Vanguard University Women’s Volleyball’s resilience and depth. Despite losing momentum in the third set, the Lions capitalized on career-best performances from Gotwals and Hobbs, supported by consistent veteran contributions. Their ability to regroup and secure a close fourth set victory sets an encouraging precedent as they continue to build confidence and compete within the conference.
Source: Original report
