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Playing in the LMU Invitational Tournament Championship in front of 1,108 fans, the #21 LMU volleyball team (2-1) dropped a four-set match to #12 UCLA (3-0) by scores of 20-25, 25-14, 25-19, 25-19.

LMU, which had swept the Bruins in each of the last two seasons, came out strong and won the opener behind five kills apiece from Sarah Sponcil and Erin Williams. The Lions also managed three blocks in that set, with Nicky Kevorken collecting a solo and two block assists.

Sponcil led all players with 17 kills on 53 attacks, teaming the kills with 10 digs for a double-double. Unfortunately, Reily Buechler was equally impressive for the Bruins, registering 16 kills with 14 digs for a double-double of her own.

Both teams proved active on the block, with UCLA winning the blocking battle, 15-10. LMU was led by Kevorken who had a solo and five block assists. UCLA's Jennie Frager was a force at the net, registering two block solos and eight block assists to go along with eight kills on 19 errorless swings.

While the Lions did manage to hit .205 in the opener, UCLA succeeded in quieting the thump in the second, third and fourth, holding LMU to sub-.100 hitting percentages in each of the final three frames. LMU finished the match hitting just .077 as a team, while the Bruins combined for a .221 clip, including a .343 percentage in the finale en route to victory.

Freshmen Tess Reid and Jessie Prichard once again set the offense for LMU, with Reid registering a third straight double-double by way of 22 assists and 12 digs. Prichard also picked up her first double-double, teaming 18 assists with 11 digs.

Awesome crowd tonight! 1,108 in attendance for @LMU_Volleyball #LIONSTRONG #LMULions pic.twitter.com/Wwqol4ntTy

- LMULions (@LMULions) August 28, 2016

LMU will return to action on Friday when it begins play at the University of Denver Invitational. The Lions will open the tournament with a match against the host squad at 5 p.m.

Support LMU's 22 intercollegiate teams and it's student-athletes through scholarships and team support by joining the Lions Athletics Fund. Your help will make LMU #LIONSTRONG.