DALLAS – The Lions defeated the SMU Mustangs, 3-2, in the Doubletree Classic on Saturday afternoon, capping off an undefeated tournament run.

Set one was close, with no more than a two-point difference between the teams. SMU pulled ahead 8-4 after an LMU attack error and a service ace, and though the Lions closed the gap to 12-10 thanks to a service ace from Mia Schafer and a kill from Sophia Meyers, the Mustangs responded with a 9-0 run, taking a commanding 22-11 lead. Although LMU managed a late kill, SMU closed out the set with a 25-12 win.

In set two, LMU jumped out to a 5-3 lead following a block from Leah Burrell and Kaitlyn Evans. The teams battled back and forth, tying the score several times, with a kill by Meyers, assisted by Delfina Schuh, leveling the set at 18-18. However, SMU responded with a 3-0 run, edging closer to victory at 21-18. LMU fought hard, but four straight kills from SMU sealed the set, 25-20.

The momentum shifted in set three as the Lions took control early, highlighted by a 3-0 run that ended with a kill from Paige Flickinger, giving them a 10-7 lead. SMU tied the score at 14-14, but LMU responded with back-to-back scoring runs to pull ahead and secure the set, 25-21.

LMU dominated early in set four, scoring five straight points to lead 5-1. A kill by Evans sparked a four-point rally, extending their lead to 14-4. SMU made a late push, but the Lions stood strong, finishing the set with two consecutive kills from Meyers to claim a 25-16 victory.

In the decisive fifth set, SMU scored first, but two errors handed LMU the lead. A kill from Olivia Toland fueled a 3-0 run, pushing LMU to a 7-3 advantage. SMU tried to rally but couldn't close the gap. LMU secured the match with three straight points to win the final set 15-10, completing the 3-2 victory.

Three Lions were named to the SMU Doubletree Classic All-Tournament Team:
Sophia Meyers (MVP)
Paige Flickinger 
Mia Schafer

The Lions next game is Thursday, Sept. 12, at  6 PM against the Ohio Bobcats in Gersten Pavillion.
 
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