Loyola volleyball dominates cross-town rival Xavier in three sets on senior night

(New Orleans, La.) Loyola University New Orleans volleyball defeated local rival Xavier University in three exhilarating sets tonight 25-15, 25-21, 25-22. Tonight also marked the final home match for Loyola's three seniors Lauren Brand, Becca Burnett and Tiffany Walker.

The Wolf Pack dominated the Gold Nuggets from the first set, jumping out to an early 12-2 lead and never looking back. The Pack also started the second set with a commanding 7-1 lead, however, Xavier was able to battle back tying the game on three separate occasions. The Pack ultimately prevailed in the end with kills by sophomore Wren Overesch and freshman Keyanna Gayden. In the final set of the night, the Pack and the Nuggets battled back-and-forth, tying up the match six times. The Pack took a 24-22 lead with two monstrous kills from Gayden. The Pack's final point of the night came off an attacking error by Xavier, resulting in a 3-0 victory over the local rival. The Nuggets defeated the Pack in three sets earlier this season on September 26.

Senior Lauren Brand drove the Pack's offensive effort, tallying 11 kills on a .400 hitting percentage. She also finished the night with eight defensive digs. Junior Eva Allen and Overesch also aided the offense with eight kills apiece. Sophomore setter Daniela Leal compiled 25 assists and also led the Pack on defense with 10 digs. Senior Tiffany Walker notched 7 digs, while fellow senior Becca Burnett added six in the win.

Junior CeCe Williams led the Gold Nuggets (17-4) on offense with nine kills, while fellow junior Darian Harris finished the night with 13 digs. Senior Chinedu Echebelem and Williams added 11 and 10 digs, respectively. Junior setter Franziska Pirkl tallied 16 assists on the night.

The Wolf Pack (12-17) will resume play on Friday, November 7 against conference opponent Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn. at 6 p.m.