Oct. 8, 2005

Box Score

Indianapolis, Ind. - Despite owning an edge in nearly every major statistical category, Loyola could not win the key points at the end of games, dropping a 3-1 (30-25, 30-25, 20-30, 30-26) decision to Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse this afternoon. Loyola falls to 4-12 (3-2 Horizon) with the loss while Butler jumps to 8-10, 3-3.

Butler opened the match hot, hitting .353 in the opening game to snatch the early lead. Game two featured 14 ties and eight lead changes but, again, it was unable to put it together at the end as Butler took a 2-0 lead into intermission. Loyola came out determined in game three, pounding the ball at a .444 (20-4-36) clip en route to a 30-20 win. However, it was unable to keep the momentum, as Butler regrouped to claim a 30-26 game-four win.

Loyola had its chances all afternoon but could not capitalize. The Ramblers pulled within 26-25 in game one before a Bulldog block started a 4-0 run to end the frame. Game two ended in similar fashion, as the hosts scored six of the last eight points, and game four was tied at 25 before three straight LU hitting errors put Butler in command.

The Ramblers owned a 70-55 edge in kills, outhit the Bulldogs .253-.245, and out-dug the hosts, 67-61. However, Butler's block proved to be a thorn in Loyola's side all afternoon, as BU's 15-6 edge at the net played a big role in the win.

Courtney Ashley had a match-high 16 kills and 14 digs to the Ramblers. Hilary Stromath (14 kills), Audrey Davis (12) and Melissa Craig (11) also reached double figures in put-aways for Loyola. Sarah Elmer added seven kills, 13 digs and 52 assists.

Loyola steps out of the Horizon League on Tuesday night, hosting Bradley at 7 p.m. at Alumni Gym. Cour