Box Score Pilots Win Opening Set, But Lions Prevail

Box Score

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --- The Portland Pilots took the opening set in decisive fashion, but the Loyola Marymount Lions responded and won by a 3-1 margin in West Coast Conference volleyball action Thursday night at Gersten Pavilion. The Lions prevailed 14-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-23.

Senior outside hitter Autumn Wedan recorded a match-high 23 kills for the visiting Pilots (0-19, 0-10 WCC). Freshman Makayla Lindburg added 12 kills for the Portland.

The Lions (10-9, 5-5) were paced by 22 kills from Litara Keil and Kathleen Luft chipped in 12 kills.

Portland had six blocks on the night, including four block assists from freshman middle blocker Brittney Markwith. LMU gained a 50-37 advantage in digs and hit .385 for the match, compared to Portland's .256 attack percentage.

The Pilots came out on fire to take the first set 25-14. Lindburg opened the set with three consecutive kills and Portland hit .360 with a .780 sideout percentage for the set.

LMU took the next two sets comfortably and appeared to have the match wrapped up in the fourth set after taking a 22-15 lead. The resilient Pilots would battle back with a 6-0 run on Wedan's serve to pull within 22-21, but Luft closed out the match with a big kill.

Portland continues its road trip at Pepperdine on Saturday with a 1 p.m. start.