LANCASTER – The University of Antelope Valley Pioneers (7-2) suffered their first loss in eight games to the No. 1-ranked NAIA Div. I Lions of Vanguard University (6-0) on Tuesday evening, 82-71, in November 27 intercollegiate women’s basketball action inside the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, Calif.

Despite the loss, the Pioneers received much-welcomed news earlier in the day from the NAIA as they were ranked No. 11 in the latest NAIA Div. II Top-25 Coaches’ Poll, the highest ranking in the history of the program, 13 spots higher than their previous highest ranking (24) at the end of last season.

UAV led by as many as six points 4:11 into the first quarter, but the Lions would take control with 3:05 left in the opening period and would not look back, outscoring UAV in each quarter but the third en route to remaining undefeated with an 82-71 victory.

Senior guard Samantha Earl (Clovis, CA) returned from a two-game absence to lead all scorers in the contest with 27 points while also adding three rebounds, two steals, one block and one assist, and senior guard Ilianna Blanc (Los Angeles, CA) added 14 points, four rebounds, one steal, one block and one assist.

Senior guard Daizah Pounds (Richmond, CA) poured in nine points, two rebounds, two steals and one assist, senior guard Alyssa Gonzales (Bakersfield, CA) finished with eight points, a team-high six assists and five rebounds, and sophomore forward Alexia Budd (Los Angeles, CA) contributed four points and four boards.

UAV hit 27-of-73 field goals (.370), 13-of-41 three-pointers (.317), 4-of-11 free throws (.364), and were outrebounded by the Lions, 47-33. UAV committed 18 turnovers and stole the ball 10 times. Vanguard made 23-of-56 shots (.411), 4-of-14 three-pointers (.286) and 32-of-41 free throws (.780) and committed 22 turnovers and stole the ball from UAV nine times.

Next game: Coached by Deon Price the Pioneers hit the road to take on Sacramento State University in an exhibition game on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. PST in Sacramento, Calif.