LOS ANGELES – The Loyola Marymount University volleyball team (10-8, 4-2 WCC) lost its first match in Gersten Pavilion of the season, as Pepperdine beat the Lions 3-1 on Friday night, 
 
LMU vs. Pepperdine 25-23, 26-28, 25-22, 25-23
The Lions went into Friday's match with a smaller active roster than usual, but LMU still put up a fight against the Waves, as the Lions made every set a close one but couldn't win the match, snapping their 4-0 home streak. 
 
Pepperdine took control in the first set, taking an early lead. The Lions were able to tie things up six times, and there were two lead changes, but after a neck and neck set, the Waves won 25-23. 
 
Down 1-0, LMU gained momentum, as a kill by Megan Rice and a kill my Savannah Slattery gave the Lions a 2-0 lead. The teams battled for match point, as they were tied at 23-23 and tied things up until 26-26, and then two attack errors gave the Lions the second set win 28-26. There were 11 ties and six lead changes. 
 
Tied up at 1-1, LMU had another close set with the Waves, as there were 12 tied scores and eight lead changes. Tied at 21-21, Pepperdine took control of the set, winning 25-22. 
 
Down 2-1, the Lions started off set four on a strong note, putting the first two points on the board after errors from the Waves. Pepperdine was quick to respond and tied things up. The Waves had control of most of the set, as they only allowed three lead changes and six tied scores. The Lions made it a one-point match at 24-23, but then the Waves got a kill to win the match. 
 
Megan Rice led the team in kills with 25, while Slattery had 14. Tess Reid led the Lions in assists with 40 and Alexis Morrow led the team in blocks with four, Bo Culo led the Lions in digs with 21. 
 
Both teams tied in blocks with seven, while the Lions led the Waves in hitting percentage with .272. 
 
Up next: The Lions will head up north to take on Saint Mary's and Pacific next Thursday and Saturday.