Oct. 18, 2013
Box Score
Springfield, Mo. - Loyola had its chances in both the second and third sets but Missouri State was able to win the key points to earn a 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-23) win over the Ramblers tonight in Springfield, Mo. It marked the first meeting between the teams since 1987. Loyola slumps to 8-12 (3-5 MVC) while the Bears get back to the .500 mark in conference play, improving to 12-8 (4-4).
"I thought we did some things well tonight," said head coach Chris Muscat. "However, we have to execute better at the end of sets and find a way to score points. It is something that every young team has to experience and go through in order to become a championship team."
Loyola fell behind 4-1 out of the gate but a kill and an ace from Kathleen Vogel helped the Ramblers rattled off the next three points. The teams were tied again at 10-all before Missouri State made its move, using a Loyola service error and three straight hitting errors to kickstart a six-point scoring run that gave the home team a 16-10 lead. The Ramblers tried to battle back and were within three, 17-14, after a block from Libby Bresser and Brittany Brown. After trading points to 18-15, the Bears were able to pull away down the stretch, scoring seven of the final 10 points to take the opening set, 25-18.
The Ramblers were in a 3-1 hole early in the second set before roaring to the lead. A 7-0 run on the serve of Stephanie Kinane gave LU an 8-3 lead and Loyola was able to protect it through the middle stages, maintaining an 18-13 advantage after a Maureen Carls kill. However, Missouri State rattled off the next four points to get within one (18-17) and, after a Loyola side-out, reeled off four more to grab a 21-19 lead. The teams traded points to 22-21 before three Kayla Walton kills bookended a Mary Kate Styler kill to give MSU a 25-22 win and a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
The teams, essentially, traded points all the way to 13-all in the third set as Loyola looked to stay alive and extend the match. Missouri State crept out to an 18-15 lead on a block but Loyola clawed its way back, finally pulling even at 23 on a Bears error. However, a service error sent the hosts to match point and a Rambler hitting error closed out the sweep.
Carls led the way for the Ramblers, posting a team-high 11 kills. Vogel added seven kills and a pair of aces and Brittany Brown added six kills, 11 assists and 10 digs. Kinane anchored Loyola's back row, notching a match-best 19 digs.
The Ramblers wrap up their weekend trip tomorrow with a 7 p.m. match at Wichita State.
