LOS ANGELES –The University of Portland volleyball team lost in a quick three-game match-up to the Loyola Marymount Lions tonight at Gersten Pavilion. Portland falls to 9-8 on the season, 0-5 in WCC play, while the Lions improve to 12-5 overall, 3-1 in the WCC.

“The only good thing about tonight’s match is that it is over,” said Doug Sparks. “It was by far the worst match we’ve played this season. I am extremely disappointed with our team chemistry and energy tonight.”

Portland’s poor serving in game one aided the Lions’ attack as they pulled out to a comfortable 17-7 lead. Portland tried for a comeback, but were eight points shy when LMU hit game point as the Lions went on to win, 30-21. In 43 attempts, Portland put only eight kills away, compared to LMU’s 17 kills in 41 attempts.

Portland totaled just six kills in all of game two, while the Lions jumped out to a 23-9 lead. Portland would go on to score just three more points before LMU closed out the win, 30-12. The Pilots hit for .000 in the second set, while the Lions hit for .444.

Portland tried to make a comeback in game three and gave a strong effort, equalizing the score 11 times, as there were six lead changes throughout the set. The Pilots held the advantage on a Nicole Thometz kill (29-28), but LMU’s Dina Debernardi responded with a kill of her own, tying the game at 29-29. Portland posted back-to-back attacking errors to assist the Lions with the 31-29 win.

There were no Pilot players with double-figure kills tonight. Michelle Oakland led the team with nine kills and four block assists. Murphy McClenahan tallied 14 digs, while reserve setter Kara Pein came in and posted 20 assists on the night. As a team, Portland recorded a season-low .084 hitting percentage and was out-blocked ten to seven.

Jania Motton and Kelli Nerison combined for 25 kills for the Lions. Michelle Look led the team with 14 digs, while Heather Hughes recorded 13 digs and Jacene Dimson added 11. Nicole Oehlman dished out 41 assists. The Lions hit for .256 as a team.

UP NEXT: The Pilots will face Pepperdine on Oct. 16 at 7:00 p.m. in Malibu, Calif.