LOGAN, Utah – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) volleyball team fell to Loyola Marymount University (LMU) 0-3 (14-25, 26-28, 17-25) during the final match of the Utah State Tournament on Saturday at Kirby Court at the Wayne Estes Center.
 
Senior Ragni Steen Knudsen led UTRGV (4-3) with eight kills and four digs. Junior Barbara Silva recorded seven kills and five digs. Senior Alexandra Ecker and junior Talita Oliveira each finished with five kills on .400 hitting.
 
Bo Culo led Loyola Marymount (5-1) with 12 kills and eight digs. Emma Johnson recorded 11 kills on .600 hitting. Sara Kovac had 11 kills with nine digs. Savannah Slattery finished with 10 kills.
 
After dropping the first set, UTRGV jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the second set on a block by Oliveira and senior Antonela Jularic. LMU came back to take a 15-14 lead on a Meredith Teague ace. Then, after a timeout, UTRGV won five-straight serves, including kills by Knudsen and Oliveira, to take a 19-15 lead. UTRGV extended its lead to 24-17 on an Oliveira kill before LMU scored seven-straight points to tie the set. UTRGV had set point twice more at 25-24 and 26-25 on Silva kills before LMU scored the final three points to take the set.
 
LMU then rode that momentum to take a 15-6 lead in the third set and pull away for the victory.
 
UTRGV hosts Incarnate Word for the home opener on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Fans are encouraged to wear orange for Hunger Action Month. Any fans bringing five non-perishable food items will receive free admission. All donations benefit the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Doors open at 5.

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