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CHICAGO (October 18, 2017) - Loyola looks to snap a 13-match slide this weekend when it visits No. 25 UNI and Drake. The Ramblers have played better of late, dropping each of their last three matches in five sets. A year ago, Loyola posted a 6-2 mark in matches that went the distance, but this season is winless in three such instances. The Ramblers are a perfect 4-0 at Drake since joining the Missouri Valley Conference in 2013, but are winless in four trips to UNI during the regular season since becoming a member of The Valley.
 
Scouting The Opponents
Northern Iowa enters this weekend's action ranked No. 25 in the nation, with four wins over ranked teams to its credit. The Panthers have captured eight of their last nine matches with the lone setback coming at the hands of MVC leader Missouri State on October 14. Loyola is still in search of its first-ever win over UNI, having gone winless in the previous 15 meetings between the teams, and in fact, has won just three sets in the last six matches versus the Panthers.
 
The tandem of Karlie Taylor and Piper Thomas have accounted for 660 of UNI's 1,302 kills (51 percent) on the year. Taylor, a sophomore outside hitter, averages 3.86 kills and 3.40 digs per set, while Thomas pitches in 3.81 kps and 0.86 blocks per set, and is hitting a team-best .339 (328-83-723). UNI leads The Valley in both kills (15.14 per set) and hitting percentage (.248).
 
Drake has prevailed in 11 of its last 13 matches overall and in four of its last five at the Knapp Center. Loyola has had the upper hand in the recent series history, winning seven of the last nine meetings overall and four straight in Des Moines since a five-set loss there in 1999.
 
Outside hitter Kyla Inderski is making a strong case for First Team All-MVC honors this fall and leads the Bulldogs with 3.32 kills per set, while also pitching in 3.60 digs and 0.48 blocks per set. Junior outsider hitter Cathryn Cheek has been a key contributor this season and is a solid complement to Inderski, averaging 3.02 kills, 2.73 digs and 0.47 blocks per set.
 
Up Next
Loyola continues a four-match road swing when it visits Valparaiso (Oct. 27) and Southern Illinois (Oct. 30).