LOS ANGELES – The Lions secured their sixth consecutive victory and fourth consecutive clean sweep Thursday evening against the Saint Mary's Gaels in their WCC home opener.
 
In the opening set, the Gaels initially took a 2-0 lead over the Lions and extended it to 6-2 with a 3-0 run. However, LMU began to make a comeback, triggered by a Gaels attack error that led to a four-point surge, closing the gap to 9-8. A few plays later, a kill by Amethyst Harper leveled the score at 11-11. The Lions eventually grabbed their first lead of the set when Michelle Shaffer served an ace, making it 12-11. The score remained tight, with numerous ties, until Harper's kill gave the Lions a 22-20 advantage. LMU closed out the set with two more points, winning it 25-22.
 
The second set started similarly to set one, with both teams trading points. LMU managed to create some breathing room with multiple 2-0 runs, eventually taking a 16-9 lead. Midway through the set, SMC closed the gap to 22-21 with a three-point streak. LMU called a timeout, regrouped, and then scored three consecutive points, securing the set with a kill by Kari Geissberger.
 
The third set also remained closely contested, with LMU initially jumping to a 6-1 lead. A kill by Jacquelyn Moore ignited a 6-0 run for LMU, resulting in a 13-4 advantage. SMC fought back with a six-point rally, tying the score at 19-19. The set was up for grabs, but LMU rallied and responded with three consecutive points, highlighted by a Maddie Boerstra kill, to regain a 22-19 lead. Despite the tight score, a kill by Shaffer sealed the set at 25-21, securing the match win for LMU, 3-0.
 
In terms of individual performance, Moore and Shaffer led both teams with 11 kills each, followed by Harper with nine. Sam Hastings impressed with 26 digs, and Isabella Bareford contributed 24 assists. Moore also led both teams with 5.0 blocks.
 
Looking ahead, the Lions next game is scheduled for Saturday, Sep. 23, at 12 p.m. against the Pepperdine Waves in Malibu, CA.

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