Jan. 30, 2007

Box Score

CHICAGO - The 12th-ranked Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team overcame a first-game setback to defeat Carthage on Tuesday night in Alumni Gym. Loyola improved to 5-2 overall while Carthage dropped to 6-4.

Loyola senior setter Brian Guntli not only sprung the Rambler attack with a match-high 45 assists but also contributed nine digs, seven kills with a 1.000 hitting percentage (7-0-7), three blocks and one ace serve.

Senior Nathan Gustus continued the impressive all-around performances with a season-high 12 kills on 21 attempts (.524) and four assists, four digs and three blocks. Junior opposite hitter Ian Anderson tallied a match-high 17 kills along with four digs and three blocks.

As a team, the Ramblers hit .377 in the match compared to .158 for Carthage. Loyola also took advantage on the serve, with 12 aces compared to four for Carthage.

Loyola jumped out to a slight 5-3 lead early in the first game but Carthage quickly tied the game at 6. The game would be tied six more times before Carthage took a 25-21 advantage that it would never relinquish. Carthage's Shane Olson had a game-high six kills while setter Matt Ulmer compiled 13 assists.

The Ramblers stormed back in the second game and took control of the match with a 30-18 run. Loyola eased out to an 11-6 lead in the second game behind two kills and one block by senior middle blocker James Grunst.

Loyola overwhelmed Carthage by opening the third game with a 10-2 run, featuring five kills by Gustus. The Ramblers were behind by as many as three points in the middle of the fourth game but worked to gain an 18-18 tie before clinching the match with a 7-2 run.

Defensively, libero Zach Bailey led the Ramblers for the fifth match this season with 11 digs while middle blocker Nick Lamoureux registered a match-high six blocks. Loyola outblocked Carthage 10 to 6.

Loyola returns to MIVA Shondell/Dunlap Division play with a rematch at No. 5 IPFW at 6 p.m. CT on Friday in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Ramblers dropped a five-game decision to the Mastodons 11 days ago in Alumni Gym.