Box Score

The LMU volleyball team (14-9, 5-6 WCC) looked primed to snap a two-match losing streak, claiming the first two sets of a match against Pacific on Thursday night in Gersten Pavilion, but the Tigers (14-9, 8-3 WCC) rallied to win the final three sets and take the match by scores of 18-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-19, 15-10.

The Lions are now 0-5 in five-set matches this year, including having dropped a pair after winning the first two sets (9/27 vs. #6 San Diego). LMU is also 2-9 all-time against Pacific, suffering two five-set losses to the Tigers this year alone.

The Lions came out strong on a night that they honored four-time Olympian and LMU Hall of Famer, Reid Priddy. Savannah Slattery, who finished with 11 kills in the loss, had five of them in the first set, as LMU hit .265 and held Pacific to -.033 hitting.

LMU seemingly captured all the momentum in the match during the second set, winning a see-saw battle that featured 10 tie scores and five lead changes. The Lions, led by four kills on five attacks from Jamie Lea, once again out-hit the Tigers, .364-.216, but it was the LMU block that proved to be the difference, as the Lions combined for five of their 13 team blocks in the second stanza. Jessie Prichard, who had five blocks to go along with 47 assists on the night, posted three block assists in the second.

With their back against the wall, the Tigers came out swinging, hitting .478 in the fourth behind three kills apiece from Janie Feldsher, Lexi Elman and Ashlyn Fleming. Elman led all players on the night with 24 kills to accompany 12 digs for a double-double. The talented outside hitter managed a .360 hitting percentage over 50 swings.

Now playing in the fourth set, Pacific continued to feed Elman. The senior from Omaha, Neb. collected seven kills on 14 swings in the period. Skylar Wine also picked up her game in the fourth, rising to collect three block assists as the Tigers forced a fifth set by way of the 25-19 decision.

Pacific took control of the fifth right away, forcing LMU into two early timeouts en route to opening up an 8-3 lead. Elman and Fleming took it upon themselves to guide the visitors past the Lions down the stretch, with each notching four kills in the finale. Pacific's block also finished strong, registering three team blocks to complete the comeback victory.

LMU's serving game struggled mightily in the setback, as the Lions managed just three aces to 19 service errors.

The Lions will look to get back on track on Saturday when they host Saint Mary's at Noon.