MALIBU, Calif. — In a four-set rematch with LMU (19-4, 11-1), Pepperdine (12-9,9-2) was unable to secure a win, posting 25-17, 19-25, 30-32, and 34-36 set scores. With the final two sets reaching extended points, the Waves were not able to capitalize on their set-point opportunities. 

Double-double performances from senior outside hitter Grace Chillingworth and graduate student opposite Birdie Hendrickson added 19 and 16 kills, respectively, while Chillingworth also posted three aces from the service line. Freshman middle blocker, Ella Piskorz, tabbed 14 kills on a .464 hitting percentage, while also serving four blocks and a service ace. As a team, Pepperdine served nine blocks, dished out from six separate Waves. 

An immediate kill from Ella Piskorz set the tone for the competitive PCH Cup match. The Waves and Lions kept the first set close, with neither team taking more than a two-point lead until back-to-back kills and an ace from Chillingworth gave Pepperdine a four-point advantage. Keeping Chillingworth at the service line for six points, she added two aces and three kills. After the Waves' scoring run, the Lions would attempt to take control of the first set, but kills from Chilligworth and Piskorz along with LMU service errors would allow Pepperdine to take set one, 25-17. Piskorz led the attack, adding five kills with a .714 hitting percentage throughout set one. 

Pepperdine opened set two with a block party, as five separate Waves assisted on three denials within the opening points. An eight-point run from the Lions stopped momentum until a fresh start on a kill from Chloe Pravednikov started to turn up the energy. Still down by six, consecutive kills from Piskorz and an ace from Chillingworth chipped away at the deficit. Two aces from Hendrickson during the Lion's set point opportunity would not be enough, and the Waves could not come closer than three throughout the set, ultimately dropping 19-25. 

Piskorz found an open spot on the floor to open set three, contributing to a three-point Waves run. A set of kills and a successful challenge for LMU gave the Lions their first lead of the set, and they continued on a 10-1 run. A pair of errors on the opposition and an ace from Emma McMahon gave the Waves some much-needed energy, returning within three. A block from Piskorz and Hendrickson combined with two digs received in the bleachers from McMahon set the tone for the rest of the set. With both sides eager to take the win, it would be Pravednikov who was the difference maker with a block and a kill to overtake the Lions by two, 22-20.  Chillingworth stopped an LMU set-point opportunity with a kill, evening the score at 25. After trading off set points, the Lions took set three, 32-30. 

The Waves and Lions found themselves going point-for-point to start the fourth set, with three kills from Piskorz leading the attack. Although LMU was able to pull away, a dump over the net from Archer gave Pepperdine a way to pull ahead. Piskorz connected on three consecutive kills, but LMU caught up, adding three service aces to take a three-point lead. Three Waves blocks, followed by a kill from Chillingworth stopped LMU's match-point opportunity. In extra set points, the Lions were able to take set four, 36-24. 

NEXT UP

Pepperdine will travel to San Diego on Saturday to face the Toreros for a 1 p.m. match. 

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