CALDWELL, Idaho - College of Idaho Classic - After splitting the first two matches of its opening tournament, Vanguard volleyball found its stride Saturday morning, defeating William Jessup (0-3) in straight sets (25-18, 25-19, 25-17) to move to 2-1 on the fledgling 2012 season. Sophomore Ashli Bellinger (Chandler, Ariz.) displayed her prowess on the floor, notching 10 kills, nine digs and two service aces for the Lions in the victory.


Vanguard went up early in the first set using a relentless attack and several William Jessup errors to its advantage. The Pride led by as many as eight (17-9) before putting the Warriors away 25-18.

William Jessup gained an early edge on VU in set two. Vanguard found itself down 12-16 midway through the set but a missed serve by the Warriors and a series of kills from senior Candace Cedarstrom (Ladera Ranch, Calif.), sophomore Rachael Barker (Torrance, Calif) and sophomore setter Carly Maxwell (Bakersfield, Calif.) tipped the scale in VU's favor as the Blue and Gold came from behind to steal a hard fought second set.

Using momentum from set two's late rally, the Lions leapt out to a 15-point lead (21-6) in the third. The Warriors battled to bring the set within seven but would get no closer as VU capped its first sweep of 2012 with a 25-17 win.

Junior Kelly Heenan (Costa Mesa, Calif.) registered a team-high 17 digs in the contest. Maxwell posted 24 assists and five digs, while junior Grace Konstanzer (Irvine, Calif.) and freshman Sarah McKinny (Santa Barbara, Calif.) aided the defense, garnering four digs apiece for Vanguard. Sophomore Jessica Neves (Fallbrook, Calif.) put together a balanced line with four kills, five assists, an ace, a dig and a blocking assist. Barker and Cedarstrom posted eight and three kills, respectively.

The Lions' final match of the tournament is scheduled for 2:00pm (PST) on Saturday afternoon.