PULLMAN, WA – The LMU Lions wrapped up their regular season in style Friday afternoon, defeating the Washington State Cougars 3-1 to finish with an impressive 24-5 overall record and 16-2 in conference play.

WSU opened the match strong, jumping to a 5-2 lead with five unanswered points. The Cougars extended their advantage to 17-9 with multiple 3-0 flurries. Despite a late push from LMU, featuring back-to-back kills by Kalani Hayes and Sophia Meyers, the Cougars held firm, taking the first set 25-20.

Both teams came out swinging in the second set. After a kill from Jiana Lawson sparked a 4-0 rally for LMU, WSU responded with one of their own to edge ahead 5-4. The set remained tight until a Sophie Stephenson kill gave LMU a three-point lead. A 3-0 Lions run, highlighted by a Lawson-Stephenson block assist, extended the margin to 14-9. LMU maintained control and closed out the set 25-19 to even the match.

Set three started of close, featuring 11 ties and a margin of no more than two points until a Lawson and Stephenson block assist put the Lions up 17-14. A timely timeout by WSU couldn't stop LMU's momentum, as the Lions scored six of the next eight points. The Cougars staged four straight points late in the set but fell short, with LMU securing the set 25-20.

The Lions started the final set strong, racing to a 5-0 lead. LMU extended their cushion to 14-8 after a 4-0 run capped by an ace from Mia Schafer. Another service ace by Meyers highlighted a 3-0 surge that pushed the Lions to a 17-9 advantage. Although the Cougars mounted a late 4-0 rally, LMU stayed composed, sealing the set 25-17 and the match 3-1.

Meyers had a standout performance, leading all players with 13 digs and topping the Lions with 13 kills. Marlee Arrington followed closely with 11 kills while Paige Flickinger had 10. Schafer led the Lions with 22 assists, while Lawson dominated at the net with seven blocks.

The Lions now turn their focus to the NCAA Tournament. They'll wait for Selection Sunday to learn their next opponent.

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