The Loyola Marymount Lions defeated the Denver Pioneers 3–2 in women’s volleyball on Oct. 10 in Denver. The Lions won 25–19, 22–25, 25–18, 23–25, 15–13 for their eighth consecutive victory. Loyola Marymount improved to 15–2 overall and 6–0 in West Coast Conference play.
Serving makes a difference
Nicole Schuetz and Maria Tabacuks each recorded 17 kills for the Lions. Schuetz added 11 digs, while Delfina Schuh finished with 42 assists and 19 digs. Zaria Thornton led Loyola Marymount at the net with seven blocks.
The teams each hit .165, and Denver finished with more kills and digs. Loyola Marymount created an 11–4 advantage in service aces and an 11–9 edge in blocks. Schuetz supplied the final kill after Denver had cut the fifth-set deficit to 14–13.
CSB Take
The Lions found separation through serving and blocking in a closely contested road match. Those points mattered when neither attack could consistently pull away. Closing the fifth set preserved Loyola Marymount’s unbeaten conference start and extended its winning run.
