Jan. 18, 2014

Box Score | Postmatch Comments

CHICAGO - The No. 2 Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team wrapped up a five-match homestand by sweeping the University of Mount Olive inside Gentile Arena this afternoon. Behind 11 kills from Thomas Jaeschke, the Ramblers earned a 3-0 (25-9, 25-11, 25-9) win over the Trojans. Loyola improves to 4-1 on the year while Mount Olive sits at 1-2 after today's loss.

In the opening set, the Ramblers got off to a sizzling start, winning the first three points off a Joe Smalzer kill and Jaeschke ace. The Ramblers continued to charge ahead, and a kill by Nick Olson put Loyola up 16-8. Four points later, the Ramblers had their highest lead of the night when an assisted block by Olson and Peter Hutz made the score 20-8. After Mount Olive suffered three errors, Loyola won the set 25-9.

Mount Olive took control of the second set first, winning the first point off a kill from Angel Dache. That was all the Ramblers would give the Trojans, however, as Loyola jumped out to 17-8 lead mid-set. The two teams traded points until a Smalzer kill made the score 20-11. Loyola then scored the last five points of the set unanswered, closing the set 25-11 off kills by Olson, Jaeschke, and Smalzer.

The Ramblers again jumped out to an early lead in the final set, winning the first four points. Loyola continued to build on its lead until an Olson kill made the score 8-4, and the Ramblers went on to score a staggering 11 points unanswered. With a 19-4 lead, Loyola never looked back and ultimately won the set 25-9.

Loyola outhit its visitors .679 to -.097 for the match, and enjoyed a robust 40-17 advantage in kills. Jaeschke led the Ramblers with 10 kills, 2 digs and 2 service aces, while Hutz claimed 26 of the team's assists. For the second consecutive night, Olson had an impressive performance, operating at a .909 clip (10-0-11).

The Ramblers are back in action on Jan. 24 when they travel to Fairfield, Conn. to take on Sacred Heart at 6 p.m.