Seaside, CA – Women's volleyball bounced back in a big way on Saturday, securing two wins on the second day of the Otter Bay Invitational. The Railsplitters evened their season record at 2–2 and will look to build on that momentum as they return home for their opener in Harrogate on Tuesday.
The Railsplitters earned their first win of the season with a 3–1 victory over Dominican University of California. After dropping both matches on opening day, LMU came out determined, taking the first set 25–21 behind timely kills from Megan Maier and Kaytlin Johnson. Dominican answered with a narrow 25–23 win in the second frame, but the Railsplitters responded with their most dominant set of the tournament, rolling to a 25–13 win behind a 7–0 run and multiple kills from Sarah Robbins. In the fourth, the two sides traded points until LMU pulled away late, with Lauren Pickett sealing the match with a pair of clutch service aces in a 25–20 finish. Maier led LMU with 17 kills, Johnson added 14, and Robbins chipped in eight, while Pickett and Carley Raleigh combined for 50 assists. Defensively, Lauren Jacob anchored the back row with 16 digs, while Maier, Jacob, and Pickett each tallied three service aces.
Lincoln Memorial closed out the invitational with a thrilling five-set victory over host Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday evening. The Railsplitters started strong, taking the opening set 25–18 behind balanced offense and tough net play, before the Otters responded to tie the match with a 25–20 win in set two. LMU regained control in the third frame, using a 17–9 run and a late kill from Johnson to seal a 25–18 win and move ahead 2–1. CSUMB forced a decisive fifth set after edging out a 26–24 battle in the fourth, but the Railsplitters answered when it mattered most. Sparked by clutch kills from Johnson and Laney Inman, LMU built a late lead and secured the match with a 15–12 win in the final frame. Johnson and Inman each finished with 12 kills, while Robbins added 11 and Maier chipped in nine. Setter Pickett tallied 23 assists, Raleigh added 21, and Jacob anchored the defense with a match-high 25 digs.
LMU improves to 2–2 on the season and returns to action on Tuesday, September 9, for its conference opener against Tusculum. First serve is set for 6 p.m. inside Mary Mars Gym in Harrogate.
