SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Playing in their second conference match at home this week, the University of San Francisco volleyball team (7-8, 0-4 WCC) battled Loyola Marymount (8-6, 3-2 WCC) to five sets on Saturday afternoon, but the Lions ultimately topped the Dons, 3-2, at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.
 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• Beginning the match on an offensive tear, LMU jumped out to an early 14-6 lead to open the first set. Climbing back within five points, the Dons returned fire with four straight points midway through the set, two which came on service aces by Aylen Ayub. In the moments to follow, USF remained within striking distance, but the Lions were able to close out the set, 25-18, to take a 1-0 advantage.
• Flipping the momentum to start the second set, USF jumped out to a 5-1 lead following kills from Ayub and Maria Petkova. As the set played on, the two teams continued to exchange blows, but the Dons were able to maintain their advantage, 15-9, halfway through. Using another 4-0 run down the stretch, USF went on to secure the second set, 25-18, and knot the match at 1-1.
• Similar to the second set, the Dons gained control early, 8-3, after three straight kills from Ayub, Petkova and Orsula Staka. Answering right back, LMU clawed back within three points, but USF did not stumble as a service ace by Branson Lennon kept the green and gold on top, 20-14. In the closing moments, both the Lions and the Dons seemed to match each other stride for stride as the set would reach the 30's to decide a winner. After USF was able to tie the score at 29, LMU rattled off back-to-back points to grab set three, 31-29.
• Enjoying success out of the gates in set four, the Dons raced out to an 8-1 advantage as they aimed to even the match once more. Although the Lions would respond to draw within four twice during the set, USF dug deep to force a decisive fifth set by downing LMU in set four, 25-19.
• Battling all afternoon, the two teams were knotted at six to open the fifth set, but the Dons took their lead back, 7-6, on a kill by Shyia Richardson. Shortly thereafter, LMU reeled off a 6-0 run to regain control, 12-7. Giving their all until the final whistle, USF came within three points, 14-11, on another kill from Petkova, but the Lions then closed the action with a kill from Phoebe Awoleye to win the set, 15-11, and secure the 3-2 road victory over the Dons.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Dominating on offense for USF throughout, Petkova tied her season-high with 18 kills on the afternoon, which also led both teams in the match. Additionally, the sophomore outside hitter also added five digs and one block to total a team-high 20.5 points.
• Entering back into her normal role, Ayub tallied new season-highs with 38 assists and 7.5 points against LMU. Overall, her 12 digs were also one shy of her season-high (13).
• As a team, USF led Loyola Marymount in total digs (59-56) while tying the Lions in service aces (7).

POSTGAME WITH THE DONS:

• To view the full highlights of today's match, please click here.
• To view the full postgame interview with head coach Diogo Silva, please click here.  

UP NEXT:
USF will head out on the road for the first time in West Coast Conference play as the Dons will head south to San Diego for a 7:00 pm PT matchup with the Toreros on Thursday, Oct. 6. Two days later, USF will head east to Provo, Utah as the green and gold will square off against BYU on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 1:00 pm MT.
 
FOLLOW US:
For more information and updates on the University of San Francisco volleyball program, be sure to follow the Dons on Twitter @USFDonsVB, @USFDonsVB on Instagram and @USFDonsVball on Facebook.
 
SPONSOR THE DONS:
The University of San Francisco Athletics Department would like to acknowledge and thank our primary sponsor - Provident Credit Union - for their continued support of USF Athletics. Interested in sponsoring the Dons? Please contact Frank Allocco, the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of External Relations, at fallocco@usfca.edu or at (415) 422-4561.