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There was just no stopping Preseason All-American opposite Gabi Garcia Fernandez from the service line.
Fernandez led all players with a career-high seven aces as No. 3 BYU defeated No. 6 Lewis 25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 25-16 on Saturday in Romeoville, Illinois.
With the second game tied at 21-21, Fernandez had four consecutive aces to give the Cougars a two-game lead. Fernandez in the fourth game also had three aces as part of a 7-0 run for BYU that helped secure the non-conference victory.
Along with his serving performance, Fernandez had 16 kills and was one of two Cougars to have double-digit kills against Lewis.
Outside attacker Davide Gardini finished with a match-high 19 kills on a .400 attack percentage. This was the second consecutive match to open the season that Gardini had at least 15 kills and hit at least .400.
BYU out-hit Lewis .276 to .186, including having a match-best .458 attack percentage in the final game.
Both of Lewis’ middle attackers finished with double-digit kills and hit more than .450. Preseason All-American middle attacker Tyler Mitchem had a team-high 13 kills on a .571 attack percentage, while middle attacker TJ Murray contributed 11 kills and hit .471.
Preseason All-American outside attacker Ryan Coenen in the loss was limited to seven kills and a negative-.121 attack percentage.