LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Concluding the 2018 volleyball non-conference schedule, Lamar University forced a fourth set but ultimately fell to a Loyola Marymount team receiving national attention. Ivette Dim had 10 kills and Tomar Thomas poured in another eight for the Cardinals.

The Cards fell behind early in the first set and LMU eventually built a sizable lead, keeping LU at arms' length long enough to take the set 25-11.

Momentum traded back and forth between the Cards and Lions in the second set, but a big run again gave LMU enough breathing room to take the set, 25-16.

The third set was close early with five ties and two lead changes, but Lamar came out on top when the Cards took the lead for good at 10-9. 10 of the next 13 points went to Big Red, and while LMU forced four set points, LU captured the third set 25-23 to force a fourth set.

A 5-0 run by the Lions to open the fourth set proved just enough of a margin for LMU over Lamar, though Big Red twice pulled within three of Loyola. LMU ultimately won the set 25-17 and the match 3-1.

The Cardinals open up the 2018 Southland Conference season on Sept. 20 at Abilene Christian and will continue the SLC road trip with a match at Sam Houston State on Sept. 22. The SLC home opener will take place Sept. 25 against Incarnate Word.