Late surges give Loyola three-set sweep against Xavier

NEW ORLEANS — Freshman O'Neal McMullan had 12 kills and two aces Thursday, and Loyola pulled away late in each set for a 25-17, 25-19, 25-21 women's volleyball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at The Den.

The Wolfpack (14-8) snapped a three-match losing streak and are 9-0 all-time against the Gold Nuggets (14-5).

Loyola achieved the sweep after being tied at 15 in the first set, trailing 19-18 in the second set and trailing 15-14 in the third. The Wolfpack closed the first set with a 10-2 run which included McMullan's kill and two consecutive aces, plus four Xavier attack errors.

Four second-set kills by Moira Kirk led Xavier to a 14-11 advantage, but Loyola closed with a 7-1 run, which McMullan ended with a kill.

Three consecutive Wolfpack errors gave Xavier a 15-14 lead in the final set, but Loyola answered with an 8-2 run to take the lead for good. Kills by Kailey Tuthill and Lauren Brand ended the match.

Tuthill had eight kills, 10 digs and two aces, and Sabrina Stansberry had seven kills, five digs, three blocks and two aces.

Loyola outhit Xavier .155 to .073 and had advantages of 34-29 in kills and 8-1 in aces.

Kirk had 12 kills and three blocks for Xavier. Taylor Reuther had seven kills and 12 digs, Jenay Butler had six kills and eight digs, and Celeste Poe had 10 digs.

Xavier will travel to Marion, Ala., to play Judson at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Gold Nuggets' next home match will be Oct. 28 against Faulkner.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

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