Sept. 2, 2005

Box Score

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - Despite a valiant effort, the Loyola volleyball team could not get over the hump on the big points, dropping a tough 3-1 (30-22, 25-30, 30-28, 30-25) decision to Oklahoma (3-0) to wrap up day one of the Hampton Inn/Bama Bash in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

"I am happy with the way we came back and played against Oklahoma," said head coach Marcie Bomhack. "I can see our team coming together with each game and each match that we play and we will continue to improve as we get better acclimated. Our middles gave us a lot of production, both offensively and with their blocking, and our continuity on the floor was much better than this morning."

After being outhit .367-.176 in game one, the Ramblers turned the tables in game two, slugging away at a .333 clip, their most efficient game of the day, en route to a 30-25 win that evened the match heading into intermission. Trailing 29-28 in the all-important game three, the Ramblers were called for a dubious double-hit, giving the Sooners the game and a 2-1 lead in the match. Oklahoma carried the momentum into game four and came away with its third win in as many matches on the young season.

Keily Zins and Hilary Stromath each slammed 12 kills to lead a balanced Loyola attack. Stromath added five blocks while Zins also contributed nine digs. The duo was joined in double figures by Melissa Craig and Maria Schmitt, who both put down career-best 11 kills.

Loyola wraps up play at the Bama Bash tomorrow morning with an 11 a.m. battle against Indiana.