Oct. 7, 2005

Box Score

Moraga, Calif. - Freshman Emily Day equaled a career-best 13 kills and three blocks to go along with a career-high 17 digs, as Loyola Marymount (11-5, 0-3 WCC) pushed Saint Mary's (11-3, 2-0 WCC) to five games in West Coast Conference volleyball action Friday. The Lions fell just two points shy in the final set, dropping the match 3-2 (30-27, 28-30, 30-24, 30-25, 15-13).

Tonight's contest marked the second straight five-game match for the Lions, who pushed then-12th-ranked San Diego to five games last Saturday at Gersten Pavilion. It was also the Lions' fifth straight match against an opponent who was ranked in the nation's top-25 during the 2005 season.

Sophomore Heather Hughes also had an impressive evening, posting the Lions' first statistical triple-double of the season with 12 kills, 18 assists, and 13 digs. Senior Dina DeBernardi added 11 kills and four blocks.

The two teams traded games, with the Gaels taking the close first set 30-27 and hanging onto the final game by just two points. The Lions hit their best in the fifth game, improving their team hitting percentage from .152 in the first game to .318 in the fifth.

The match was to feature some of the nation's best defense, as Saint Mary's ranks second in the nation in blocks per game, while LMU ranks eighth in digs. The teams finished almost even in digs, but the Gaels out-blocked the Lions 18.5 to 10. Saint Mary's made 18 service errors on the match.

The Gaels' Missie Stidham led all players with 28 kills.

The Lions will continue WCC play Saturday at San Francisco, with first serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m. In addition to carrying live stats on Gametracker, fans can find a link for a live video webcast on the volleyball schedule page at www.LMULions.com.

-GO LIONS-