Briefs

Neves All-American

Vanguard University junior Jessica Neves has been named NAIA third-team All-American in women’s volleyball.

The 6-foot-2 opposite, who spent some time as a setter early in the season, led the Lions with 332 kills, which averaged out to 2.96 per set. She hit .253 while adding 227 set assists, 63 blocks and 15 service aces.

Neves’ leadership helped the Lions (22-9) earn an at-large berth into the NAIA Tournament, where they were eliminated in pool play in Sioux City, Iowa.

Neves was a firs-team All-Golden State Athletic Conference honoree.

Vanguard junior libero Kelly Heenan, a Newport Harbor High product who led the Lions with 560 digs, received honorable mention. Her 502 digs during the regular season led the GSAC and she was a firs-team all-conference pick.

— From staff reports

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Lions recognized

Vanguard University was named the winner of the 2013 NAIA Men’s Soccer Champions of Character team award, which goes to the program that best displays exemplary character and sportsmanship during practice, competition, on campus and in the community.

“Receiving this award is a great reward for some intentional changes that we have made in our program this year,” said Lions Coach Randy Dodge. “We really altered our recruiting strategy last year and the result was bringing in a lot of high-character guys to mesh with the core upperclassmen, who really stepped up this year on and off the field. I am very proud that we were chosen for this award. It represents what our athletic department is about and generates more positive national recognition for our university.”

The Vanguard men’s team has won the honor 12 times.

— From staff reports

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Davidson recognized

Vanguard University senior forward Jordan Davidson received honorable mention in NAIA women’s soccer All-American voting.

Davidson, the Golden State Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year, had 11 goals and seven assists for the Lions (15-5-1), who advanced to the second round of the NAIA Tournament in Alabama.

Davidson was a first-team All-American and the GSAC Player of the Year as a junior, when she helped lead the Lions to the conference regular-season and tournament titles.

— From staff reports