ATHLETICS | The LMU women’s soccer team opened conference play with a 3-1 home win on Saturday over University of the Pacific. The Lions scored three first half goals to extend their win streak and topple the Tigers in the Pride in Pink game. A full week is ahead as LMU travels to San Francisco Wednesday for their first conference road game before hosting the PCH Cup on Sunday as Pepperdine travels south to Sullivan Field in the Salute to Service.
No. 22 Men’s Soccer is coming off a full week, playing a double-overtime home thriller against UC Irvine on Thursday then traveling cross country to Western Michigan for a tough 1-0 setback. The focus is solely on the WCC opener this week, as LMU hosts Gonzaga on Saturday night to kick off conference play.
The LMU volleyball team put up a fight against No. 9 Brigham Young University on Tuesday, but after pushing the Cougars to five sets, the Lions fell 3-2 in Provo, UT. The Lions continue to dominate at home, picking up two more sweeps to close out the week. LMU has not dropped a set at home this season, after topping Gonzaga and Portland in straight sets. This Friday, the Lions host Pepperdine in the PCH Cup for the annual Pride in Pink game.
Following a weekend of results that included three wins over teams ranked higher 14th nationally or higher, including two programs ranked ahead of LMU, the Loyola Marymount University men’s water polo program has moved into a tie for 10th in the latest CWPA Coaches Poll. Additionally, the Western Water Polo Association named Alexandros Athymaritis WWPA Player of the Week on Thursday. LMU defended their home pool on Sunday morning in the team’s only competition of the week, topping Navy 16-9. The Lions now open a stretch of three consecutive conference games, with the first two at home. On Saturday, Oct. 12, LMU hosts UC San Diego for a 1 p.m. game in their only action of next week. Following the game, the Kyle Testman Scholarship will be awarded, and the current team will be present to meet and greet all in attendance.
The LMU women’s swimming team took to the pool for the first time, opening their 2019-20 season on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5. In the Pacific Collegiate Swim & Dive Conference Relays on Friday afternoon, LMU finished second behind Pepperdine in the Division I category lacking diving and depth to challenge the Waves. Many Lions turned in fast early season splits setting them up for solid performances at Saturday’s pentathlon competition which required each swimmer to compete in one of the three five-event combinations offered. Overall winners were determined by adding finish times for each of the five events in the category and awards given to the Top-10 based on the lowest combined times.
The Lions men’s golf team is set to embark on their third tournament of the season this week. LMU will be playing in the 15-team Alister MacKenzie Invitational hosted by Cal on Monday and Tuesday.
Men’s Tennis competed in their first fall tournament of the 2019-20 season, as four Lions headed to the 2019 San Diego State University Fall Invite. Newcomer Alex Rushin made his debut as a Lion, as he participated in the doubles draw with returner Lucas Moreno. Returners Ethan Prost and Austin Di Giulio paired up together for the doubles draw.
The 2020 baseball schedule has been announced. The slate features 55 games, including 23 to be played at Page Stadium. The Lions, winners of the West Coast Conference Championship Tournament, will look for consecutive visits to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since they played in three-straight from the 1998 through 2000 seasons.
Men’s and women’s basketball traveled to the Orleans Arena last week to attend the West Coast Conference’s annual Tip Off event. In addition to a full circuit of interviews with media, the teams learned the All-Conference teams and preseason polls. Chelsey Gipson was named to the All-WCC Preseason Team on the women’s side.
