Long Beach State lost in a hard fought 3-1 game against Loyola Marymount University at Gersten Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 16.
The first set saw The Beach lead for much of the set before The Lions began to exchange the lead multiple times, eventually putting up 13 ties. Despite reaching set point first, Long Beach lost the set 26-24.
Katie Kennedy (#18) of the LBSU Women’s volleyball team attempts a spike in the first set against Loyola Marymount at Gersten Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 17, 2022.
The second set was another story, as Loyola had very little breathing room and The Beach would lead the whole set and close it out 25-21, evening the match.
The third set saw Long Beach and Loyola trading the lead multiple times before The Lions finally won in overtime 28-26.
The fourth set played out similarly, though a referee challenge from Loyola regarding a kill that landed closely out of bounds saw the score be revised from a tied 22-22 to 23-21. This would kill The Beach’s momentum, with the Lions closing out the match 25-23.
Even with the loss, several Long Beach players put up an impressive showing, including Morgan Chacon with 19 kills, Natalie Glenn with 12 kills and Katie Kennedy with 10 kills. These players’ showings among the rest of their teammates allowed the Beach to lead in kills, closing out the match with 55 kills to Loyola’s 52.
The Beach will have another opportunity to face off against the Lions on Saturday, Sept., 17 at 7 p.m. at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach.