OMAHA, Neb. - The Mavericks continue to look for their first win of 2023 as they opened the MH Hospitality Omaha Challenge with a 3-0 loss to Long Beach State on Thursday.

Omaha is now 0-5 to start their season, while the Beach improves to 3-3.

Set by Set: (21-25, 16-25, 21-25)

• The opening set was one of the closest Omaha has played all season with both teams tying each other seven times. McKenna Ruch led the way with three kills and two blocks, followed closely by Kali Jurgensmeier with a trio of kills and a block of her own. With Omaha leading 21-20, however, the Beach did what neither team could do all set and went on a five-point scoring run to win the set.
• The Beach continued to build on their late momentum in set one as they quickly came out to a 12-5 lead in the second. Though a kill and a block each for Shayla McCormick and Amanda Hardt, as well as the first career kill for Olivia Tukuafu, briefly helped get Omaha back into the set, Long Beach regained control of the court would not let up offensively as it built a nine-point lead by the end of the set.
• Long Beach State was on top for much of set three, leading the Mavericks 15-8 halfway through. After falling behind 18-9, though, Omaha suddenly found new life as Ruch and Tukuafu scored three in a row followed by an ace from Rachel Fairbanks to get the Mavericks within five. Twice the Mavericks would get within three near the end of the set, with kills from Fairbanks and Brynlee Arnold stalling the Beach at match point, but ultimately it was not enough to force a fourth set.

Inside the Box Score

• Olivia Curry is the first Maverick this season to record a double-double as she put up 12 assists and 14 digs. She is now just three assists shy of reaching 100.
• Ruch and McCormick led the team with eight kills each, with the former also posting a .412 attack percentage and blocking three shots.

Up Next
The Mavericks continue the Omaha Challenge tomorrow at 7 p.m. when they host crosstown rival No. 16 Creighton at Baxter Arena.