Phoenix, AZ- In a match that featured 33 ties, 16 lead changes, 8 set points turned away, 5 match points denied, and 24 extra points played, Arizona Christian rallied past #21 Vanguard 3-1 on Friday night.  Junior Amanda Bakonyi delivered a match high 18 kills on .410 hitting.

Match Info

• Match score: Arizona Christian - 3, Vanguard - 1
  • Set 1: ACU 27-25
  • Set 2: ACU 25-21
  • Set 3: VU 27-25
  • Set 4: ACU 33-31
• Records: Arizona Christian- 9-4, 5-2 GSAC, Vanguard- 16-3, 4-2 GSAC
• NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian – not ranked, Vanguard – number 21
• Location: Fultz Memorial Gym, Arizona Christian, Phoenix, AZ

ACU Stats For The Day

• Amanda Bakonyi- 18 kills (career high), hit .410
• Jackie Stein - 13 kills, 5 digs
• Tyler Gebhart - 9 kills
• Breanna Scott- 7 kills, 18 digs
• Marina Samaniego - 42 assists, 24 digs (both career highs)
• Delaney Harris- 20 digs
• Hannah Alvarado- 12 digs

Inside the Box Score

• First ever ACU win against a ranked team
• Five GSAC wins- most ever in a season for ACU
• VU outhit ACU .215 to .134 and 61-54 kills but Vanguard gave up at least 35 non-hitting points (service aces allowed, service errors, and ball handling errors)
• Down 31-30 in the fourth, a kill by Amanda Bakonyi, a kill by Tyler Gebhart, and service ace from Delaney Harris closed out the ACU win

Thoughts from Coach Briscoe

"Tonight was monumental and sets a new benchmark for our program.  Our girls came ready to fight and did not back down even when they were in a corner.  Consistency made the difference for us in the long battle while exchanging leads with Vanguard.  We had defensive leaders in backcourt who created stability for our offense and for our setter.  We just want to play to our potential every time we set foot on the court.  I am very proud of the effort we showed and look forward to seeing how we continue to progress."

Up Next

On Saturday, the Firestorm stay home to host San Diego Christian at 2:00 pm.