Briefs: VU baseball ranked

Vanguard University, coming off a trip to the NAIA World Series in 2015, is ranked No. 22 in the 2016 NAIA preseason baseball poll.

Coach Rob Pegg’s Lions lost 11 seniors, including five starters, from last year’s roster, including three pivotal pitchers.

The Lions, 39-22 last season, play their annual alumni game on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. They open the season Jan. 18 at home against La Sierra.

Vanguard’s Golden State Athletic Conference rivals The Master’s and Westmont were ranked No. 10 and No. 16, respectively.

— From staff reports

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Lions Nicio lauded

Vanguard University senior Kiana Nicio has been named Golden State Athletic Conference Defender of the week in women’s volleyball.

Nicio, a 5-foot-2 libero, had 12 digs and one ace in a conference sweep at William Jessup on Friday, then had 14 digs and one ace in a conference sweep at Menlo on Saturday.

No. 4-ranked Vanguard entered the week 21-4, 14-0 in GSAC play.

— From staff reports

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VU’s Bruce honored

Vanguard University freshman Haley Bruce has been named Golden State Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week in women’s soccer.

Bruce scored two goals in 3-0 home win over San Diego Christian in the first round of the GSAC Tournament on Saturday.

The No. 11-ranked Lions (14-4-1) meet No. 8-ranked Westmont in the GSAC Tournament semifinals on Thursday at noon at Biola.

— From staff reports