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Zags Win Thriller Over Loyola Marymount
Nov. 13, 2008
SPOKANE, Wash. - With a rowdy and energetic crowd cheering them on, nearly all wearing pink to support Dig for the Cure, the Gonzaga University women's volleyball team earned a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over visiting Loyola Marymount University Thursday evening in a West Coast Conference matchup at the Martin Centre. The Bulldogs, who defeated the Lions 25-23, 15-25, 18-25, 25-19, 17-15, claimed sole possession of sixth place in the WCC improving their record to 3-9 and 10-19 overall. The win also was just the 10th over the Lions since 1987. LMU dropped to 12-13 on the season and 2-9 in conference. Gonzaga had five players finish with double-figure kills, including senior Elaina Renius who had a team-high 17 kills. Sophomore Caitlin Cozad was on point for the Bulldogs as well, finishing with 12 kills, only three errors, on 19 total attempts for a team-high .474 attacking clip. Sophomore lefty Layne Brosky and junior Michelle Boevers both chipped in 12 and classmate Emily Johnson added 11 kills and 12 digs for her fifth double-double of the season. All five players were also strong above the net for the Zags, combining for seven blocks. Cozad led the way with four blocks assists, with Broksy having three block assists. Renius collected a solo block and two blocks assists, Johnson had one solo block and one block assist while Boevers added a block assist. Renius, who has 38 total solo blocks on the season, is just two shy of tying Lisa Petticord's 20-year single-season solo block record of 40.
Freshman setter Denise Van de Mortel dished out 58 assists, her WCC personal high, as Gonzaga closed out the match with 66 total team kills and a .232 attacking percentage. Van de Mortel also kept the Bulldogs in the game with her defensive skills, picking up 15 digs and making three blocks. The Lions were led by Emily Day, older sister of Zag freshman Laura Day, who registered a double-double of 18 kills and 13 digs. Renee Horton passed out 46 assists as Loyola Marymount finished with 57 total team kills and a .238 attacking clip. Gonzaga held the huge 64-45 advantage in digs and Loyola Marymount had the 14-10 edge in blocks. The Bulldogs look to continue their winning ways when they welcome Pepperdine University to the Martin Center on Saturday, Nov. 15. Match time is set for 1 p.m. |
