Lions Beat WCC Rival in 5 Games

History was against Loyola Marymount in Thursday night’s volleyball match against Pepperdine, but the Lions hung on for a 15-17, 15-10, 15-13, 11-15, 15-12 victory at Gersten Pavilion.

The Loyola women went into the match with a 4-16 record against West Coast Conference rival Pepperdine dating to 1982. The Lions were 0-7 in five-game matches dating to last season (0-3 in 1992 and 0-4 this year).

“We decided to make history tonight and win the fifth game,” sophomore middle blocker Mardell Wrensch said. “We talked about it after the fourth game, but we had our heads up and we were confident.”

The Lions, who are in second place in the WCC, improved to 17-5, 6-1 in league. Pepperdine fell to 7-10 and 4-4.

“I think we have a great team,” Pepperdine Coach Nina Matthies said. “It’s not like we’re laying down.”

The Waves rallied from a six-point deficit to win the first game. They trailed throughout the second game, but tied the third at 8-8 after trailing 8-4.

The teams exchanged leads and at 13-13 Loyola freshman outside hitter Kathleen Bunce served two points for the game.

Bunce, who had 10 kills, missed the last game because of a back injury that kept her out of practice all week. She is questionable for Saturday’s match against St. Mary’s.

“She’s hurting real bad,” Loyola Coach Steve Stratos said. “It really has affected her serve. She’s been in pain all week.”

Loyola and Pepperdine were tied in the fourth game on four occasions, but at 10-10 Loyola outscored the Waves, 5-1, to tie the match, 2-2.

The fifth game included rally scoring, which means no side-outs. Loyola led throughout the game and Kim Blankinship smacked match point down the middle of Pepperdine’s court.