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The Lions (9-14, 6-9 MIVA) defeated the Royals (10-18, 2-13 MIVA) by scores of 32-30, 24-26, 25-23, and 25-21 to secure the series opener.
Match Recap
Set 1: Grit and Grind
Lindenwood fell behind early, 7-3, but clawed back behind a service ace from Ian Schuller to close the gap to 10-9. Though Queens pushed the lead back to 15-9 at the media timeout, the Lions rallied late, tying it at 19-19. In a set that extended well beyond 25, back-to-back kills from Brendan Louthain clinched it for the Lions, 32-30.
Set 2: Royals Respond
The second set saw neither team gain much separation until the final moments. After battling to a 24-24 deadlock, Queens claimed the next two points to even the match at 1-1.
Set 3: Tight Til the End
For the third straight set, Queens jumped out to a 7-3 lead. Lindenwood answered with a four-point burst, including a block from Owen Walsh. A late surge—fueled by a Schuller kill and Louthain ace—pushed the Lions to a 25-23 win.
Set 4: Closing Strong
Lindenwood delivered its best offensive frame in the fourth, hitting .464. Schuller led the charge with a kill and an ace to build a 9-5 cushion, forcing a Queens timeout. The Lions never looked back, sealing the match 25-21 behind eight kills from Louthain in the final frame.
Stat Leaders
- Brendan Louthain: 18 kills (8 in the 4th set)
- Owen Walsh: 13 kills, .632 hitting percentage, 4 blocks
- Jose Vargas: 57 assists, 7 digs
- Ian Schuller: 15 kills, .314 hitting percentage, 6 digs
Up Next
Lindenwood hosts Queens again on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. for Senior Day, marking the final regular-season match of the year.
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