MORAGA, Calif. — The Gaels kept it close with Pepperdine through the entire match, but eventually fell in three sets to the Waves. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

SET ONE | The Gaels and the Waves began Thursday night by trading points back and forth, tying the set on multiple occasions. In the middle of the set, Pepperdine pulled out to a five-point lead over SMC after going on a 5-1 run. Saint Mary's fought to regain the lead from the Waves, but Pepperdine continued to respond to their points. Late in the set, the Waves held a 20-12 lead over the Gaels following another 5-0 run that put them further ahead. Saint Mary's pulled back within five points late in the set, but they were unable to come back from the Waves' big lead and fell 25-19.

SET TWO | The second set began in a similar fashion as the first with both teams going point-for-point until SMC broke out an 9-6 advantage over Pepperdine, forcing the Waves to take a timeout. Pepperdine brought it back to within a point of Saint Mary's as the teams went back to trading points to eventually tie the set 14-14. The Gaels went on a 5-1 scoring drive to bring themselves within two points of the Waves (21-19) but Pepperdine would respond with a run of their own and go on to win the set 25-20.

SET THREE | Pepperdine began the third set with a 4-1 run and maintained a steady three-point lead for most of the beginning of the set. Saint Mary's pulled back within a point of the Waves shortly after (11-10) but Pepperdine continued to apply the pressure and remain just ahead of the Gaels. SMC's 6-2 run brought the score to 18-16 in favor of the Waves, but they would be unable to take back the lead and fell 25-20 in the third set.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• 5: Senior Aubrey Pitts record a team-high, five blocks with four block assists and one block solo
• 14: Combined kills from SMC leader's freshman Elena Baka and senior Sienna Young
• 10: Redshirt sophomore Kelsey Knudsen recorded 10 digs against the Waves

UP NEXT: LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

The Gaels continue their long roadtrip as they head to Los Angeles next to face off against the LMU Lions on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.