MORAGA, Calif. — The final week of indoor volleyball in Moraga this year kicked off tonight, as the Gaels (15-12, 9-6 WCC) played host to the LMU Lions (19-6, 12-3 WCC) in a clash of two teams in the top half of the WCC. LMU, who entered as the second best team in the conference, looked the part, but the Gaels hung tough with the Lions in both the second and third sets to keep things interesting. Unfortunately, Saint Mary's could not find the knockout blow in either of those two sets, as the Lions earned the victory in sweep fashion (25-15, 25-23, 25-17). 

JOYCE GIVES 'EM A CHANCE
Coming off of her first WCC Defensive Player of the Week honors, Makenna Joyce continued to make heroic play after heroic play, keeping the Gaels chances alive against the Lions. The senior out of Chico reached the 15 digs mark for the fourth consecutive match, bringing her season total to 403, and making her one of just seven Gaels in program history with 400 digs in a single season. 

NO ERRORS FOR KJERSTI
Another senior in her final week in front of the Gaels home fans, Kjersti Strong, also put up a solid showing against one of the top defensive teams in the WCC in the form of LMU. Strong tallied a team high seven kills without committing a single attack error on 20 swings. It was Kjersti's fourth career attack error free match, as her career hitting percentage now sits at 0.310, good for third best in program history. Of note, the two ahead of Kjersti sit at 0.311, so she is very much in the running to break the program record with a solid showing Saturday.

AMONGST OTHER NUMBERS
Joining Kjersti with seven kills to tie for the team lead was Hannah Taylor. It was the third match in a row that Taylor has had a share of the team's kills lead. Ella Sandt continued to play as the lone setter in a five one rotation, amassing 18 assists. Madi Zorn picked up multiple service aces for the second consecutive match, as she has four in her last two appearances. The Gaels were limited to just five blocks on the night, with Strong, Genevieve Bane and Kristen Erland each getting their hands on two apiece. 

UP NEXT
The Gaels will hit the hardwood for their final game of the season, as they welcome Pacific to Moraga. First serve is set for 1 PM on Saturday 11/18. As the match is the final home game of the year, the Gaels will honor their four seniors in a pregame ceremony. 

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