Portland - The University of Portland women's volleyball team defeated Loyola Marymount for the first time since 1991, in four games, 31-29, 30-32, 30-24, 33-31 at the Chiles Center in Portland, OR on Sat., Nov. 2. Portland improves to 14-10 overall, 3-6 in the WCC. The Lions drop to 14-8 on the season and 5-4 in WCC play.

Portland suffered a 16-10 deficit in the first game, but rallied back, matching point for point and pulled out the win, 31-29. Game two saw Portland battle and they scored three straight points to even the score at 29-29, but the Lions pulled out game two, 32-30. The Pilots led by as much as seven points in game three, closing the door, 30-24. Game four was a nailbiter as the Lions pushed to game point, 29-27. Portland never let up and pushed for three straight points, tying the game at 29-29. Both teams battled, but in the end the Pilots were victorious.

“This is a huge win for our program,” said Assistant Coach Kellie Scholl. “This win tonight shows where our program is headed.”

For the Pilots, freshman Sara Vercruyssen recorded a career-high 24 kills and hit for .378, along with nine digs in the match. Heather Denison tallied 19 kills and a .250 hitting percentage, while Lauren Karpstein notched a career-high 16 kills for a .350 hitting percentage and 14 digs. Sheena Surplus totaled five kills for a .400 hitting percentage, 64 assists and 14 digs. Senior Carlie Price recorded her fourth 30-dig match tonight. As a team Portland posted a .301 hitting percentage and 6.0 total team blocks.

“Carlie just recorded her fourth 30-dig match and that is very impressive. She is putting up some huge numbers defensively for us and was a major player tonight,” said Scholl.

LMU’s Kealani Kimball recorded 18 kills and a .317 hitting percentage, while teammate Tiana Newsome tallied 17 kills for a .571 hitting percentage and four block assists. Kristen Gallup added 13 kills in the match and Laura Gustorf notched 15 digs. Megan Wooton and Courtney Chai combined for 55 assists in the match. The Lions hit for .265 on the night and added 6.0 total team blocks.

“Our kids trust each other to get the job done and they never quit. Our team chemistry just keeps getting better and better.,” said Scholl.

UP NEXT: Portland hits the road on Fri., Nov. 8, facing Santa Clara at 7:00 p.m. in Santa, Clara, CA. On Sat., Nov. 9, the Pilots will match-up with San Francisco at 7:00 p.m. in San Francisco, CA. Portland will host Saint Mary’s College on Fri., Sept. 15 and San Diego on Sat., Sept. 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chiles Center in Portland, OR. The Pilots wrap-up WCC play at home on Sat., Nov. 23 with a single-match vs. Gonzaga at 7:00 p.m. On Tues., Nov. 26, Portland hosts in-state rival Oregon State at 5:00 p.m. in the Chiles Center.