Sept. 9, 2005
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. - Columbia fell to Loyola Marymount in three games, 30-26, 30-23, 30-24 in the opening match of the Sacramento State Volleyball Invitational.
In game one, Columbia jumped out to an 8-4 lead, but LMU went on a 13-4 run to take a 17-12 lead. Natalie Gerling and Cassie Ligh recorded consecutive kills, which pulled Columbia to two, 18-16, but LMU capitalized on errors to ice the 30-26 win.
Nicole Learned scored two of her game-high five service aces during the first match. Learned recorded more individual aces than all of the LMU team combined.
In game two, Columbia and LMU traded points, and Columbia never trailed by more than two points until Marymount made a move with the score 21-19. LMU went on a 9-4 run to end the game. Learned picked up three consecutive aces in game two, rounding out her five on the day.
LMU took a 10-8 lead in game three off of a kill by Krista Housman and Columbia did not get closer than three points the rest of the game.
First-year Amalia Viti had a stellar collegiate debut with a team-high nine kills, seven digs and six block assists. Ligh also finished with nine kills and 12 digs. Learned finished with eight kills, five aces, three digs and five block assists.
Columbia returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 10, when the Lions face Sacramento State and Nevada at 1 p.m and 8 p.m. EST.
