LOS ANGELES – The Loyola Marymount University Lions (7-8, 0-1 WCC) struck first but fell behind midway through their West Coast Conference opening game and couldn't quite come all the way back, falling to the BYU Cougars 5-4 on Thursday night.
 
The Lions played in their first WCC regular season game in nearly two years and jumped right out the gate early, scoring their first run in the bottom of the first. Kenny Oyama led off with a double to left center and was moved over to third on Julian Bury's single to right center. Oyama was brought in off Alec Cargin's groundout to second base putting the Lions ahead.
 
LMU relinquished the lead after giving up a pair to the Cougars in the top of the second but came right back in the home half by getting two of their own.
 
Heading into the top of the fourth the Lions were holding on to a one run lead but the Cougars came away with three in the frame to pull ahead.
 
Lions starter CJ Fernandezees was sharp on the hill but walked away with his first loss on the year. He produced five innings of four hit baseball with a pair of strikeouts.
 
The Lions put together a rally in the bottom of the seventh loading the bases on a pair of bunt singles by Alex Lambeau and Oyama and a hit batsman. With the bags full Bury brought in a run on his single through the right side but the Cougars were able to get Oyama out at second. LMU couldn't get any closer as Diego Baqueiro and Cargin both struck out ending the rally for the Lions.
 
LMU put the tying run on in scoring position in the eighth but a pair of strikeouts ended the frame. The Lions were retired in order in the bottom of the ninth sealing the win for the Cougars.
 
The Lions series against the Cougars continues tomorrow night with Jimmy Galicia taking the hill against Carter Smith. First pitch at Page Stadium is slated for 6:00 p.m.