Streaking Loyola Women Defeat Overmatched Portland

The Loyola Marymount women’s volleyball team took less than an hour to defeat Portland, 15-3, 15-3, 15-9, in a West Coast Conference match Saturday at Gersten Pavilion.

The Lions, ranked 24th nationally, improved to 12-4 and 2-0 in league. Loyola has won nine of 10 matches.

The Pilots (3-15, 0-3) have lost 10 consecutive matches.

Loyola was without freshman outside hitter Kim Blankinship, who pulled a stomach muscle in Tuesday’s match against UC Santa Barbara and is expected to be out at least a week.

Portland was virtually lifeless in the first two games. Loyola took a 7-2 lead in the first game and 8-3 in the second and coasted to victory.

But the Pilots came to life in the third game, taking the lead four times and tying the match on three occasions.

Loyola freshman outside hitter Kathleeen Bunce served an ace for a 10-9 lead. Freshman outside hitter Suzanne Radcliffe then served five consecutive points for the game. Sophomore middle blocker Julie Greer had the kill on match point.