Aug. 29, 2003

Match Two Box Score
Match One Box Score

Los Angeles, Calif. -- The Lions used a double-double outing from senior co-captain Kealani Kimball to secure the win over UNLV in three games (30-18, 30-21, and 30-27). LMU's win was the second match of opening day at the LMU Furama Hotel Invitational, as West Virginia defeated Sacramento State in three games in the 5:00 p.m. matchup.

After scoring in the first rally of the night, LMU (1-0) got off to a quick 4-1 lead. The Lions continued that momentum on a kill and solo block in back-to-back plays by Kimball for the 10-5 lead. Head Coach Steve Stratos started freshmen Sandy Krone and Courtnay Leonard, and Krone responded with an ace to give the Lions their third straight point. Along with freshman Catherine Svorinich, the three newcomers played much of the Lions' first match.

The Lions later went on a four-point run en route to game point, leading 29-17. The Rebels would score once more before losing the game on a Kimball kill.

Patricia Assuncao and Leiana Oswald led the first game effort for the Rebels, each recording four kills. Setter Nicki King added eight assists.

Junior Kelli Nerison lit up game two, recording four blocks and four kills in the 30-21 victory. The Lions scored four consecutive points to take the 17-8 lead. UNLV battled back on a 3-0 run, pushing the score to 26-20. Sophomore co-captain Dina DeBernardi's kill gave the Lions a game point situation, and the block by DeBernardi and Nerison secured the game two victory.

After trailing most of game three, UNLV scored five consecutive points to move the score as close as 20-18. But LMU would once again close the game on a Kimball kill, winning 30-27. Both Kimball (15 kills, 13 digs) and UNLV's Oswald (10 kills, 11 digs) finished the night with double-doubles.

Match One
In the earlier matchup between Sacramento State and West Virginia, the Mountaineers capitalized on 38 assist performance by setter Brandice Studnicka to win in three games 31-29, 30-21, and 30-18. Sac State's Jennifer Ferguson posted a double-double, with 10 kills and 10 digs.

Though the Hornets led for much of the first game, West Virginia rallied to trail by one at 24-23 and force a Sac State timeout. Despite the timeout, West Virginia's momentum continued, and the Mountaineers took game one 31-29.

West Virginia's energy carried into games two and three. Junior Alison Zemanski recorded 14 kills on the night and Dimitra Havriluk and Kristi King each added 15 digs.

Day Two
Day two of the LMU Furama Hotel Invitational will open at 10:00 a.m. when Sacramento State faces UNLV. At noon, host Loyola Marymount takes on the Mountaineers. Play continues Saturday evening when UNLV plays West Virginia at 5:00 p.m. and Sacramento State and LMU close the tournament at 7:00 p.m.

--GO LIONS--