KALAMAZOO, MI – The Lions defeated the Clemson Tigers in a thrilling 3-1 victory on Saturday.

Clemson quickly took control in the first set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead that prompted the Lions to call a timeout. Despite the break, the Tigers maintained their momentum, adding two more points to their tally. LMU struggled to find their rhythm, and Clemson extended their lead to 13-3. A brief 3-0 run sparked by a Leah Burrell kill gave the Lions some life, but they still faced a significant deficit. Clemson continued to dominate, scoring five straight points to go up 23-8. The Lions responded with their own 5-0 run, featuring two kills from Kaitlyn Evans and one from Sophia Meyers, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Clemson secured the first set with a 25-14.

The second set was more competitive, with the Lions keeping the score close. Neither team led by more than two points until a kill by Meyers ignited six consecutive points, giving LMU a 13-7 advantage. Midway through the set, the Lions widened their lead to 18-12, thanks to a block assist by Evans and Burrell, a kill from Paige Flickinger, and a Clemson error, forcing the Tigers to take a timeout. LMU maintained control and finished the set on a 4-0 run, winning 25-17.

In the third set, the Lions took an early lead with consecutive kills by Burrell and Flickinger. The Tigers responded with a three-point streak, but the Lions maintained their momentum. A 3-0 run by the Lions pushed their lead to six, making it 17-11 and prompting Clemson to call a timeout. The Tigers rallied back, narrowing the gap to just three points at 21-18, but the Lions held firm. Olivia Toland's decisive kill clinched the set for the Lions, ending it at 25-21.

In the fourth set, both teams exchanged points early on until the Lions surged ahead with a six-point streak, establishing an 8-3 lead. Midway through the set, a kill by Evans pushed the Lions' lead to 15-8. A kill from Toland sparked a 3-0 run, giving the Lions their largest lead of the match at 20-10. The Tigers made a late push, scoring four points, but LMU matched their effort. A block assist by Jiana Lawson and Burrell secured the set, 25-15, and clinched the match, 3-1. 

The Lions next match is tomorrow, Sept. 1, at 8 AM against Loyola Chicago.
 
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