Game Notes 
Live Video vs. Southern Illinois | Live Stats vs. Southern Illinois 
Live Video vs. Missouri State | Live Stats vs. Missouri State

CHICAGO (November 14, 2017) - Loyola closes out the 2017 season this weekend with home matches versus Southern Illinois and No. 25 Missouri State. The Ramblers have won three of their last five outings after emerging victorious just once in their first 22 contests. A victory over Southern Illinois Friday night would allow Loyola to sweep the season series from the Salukis for a second consecutive year. When the Ramblers battle No. 25 Missouri State in the season finale Saturday, they will be playing their fifth match versus a nationally ranked opponent this season. Loyola is 0-4 against ranked foes this year and is seeking its first win over a Top 25 squad since a 30-27, 30-24, 21-30, 16-30, 15-7 victory over No. 21 Illinois at historic Alumni Gym on September 6, 2002.
 
Scouting The Opponents
Southern Illinois has lost four of its last five matches and is just 2-10 in the last 12 outings. Last weekend, the Salukis managed to knock off Drake in five sets. Loyola has captured three straight matches from Southern Illinois, last falling to the Salukis on October 30, 2015 at Gentile Arena.
 
Senior outside hitter Andrea Estrada is the engine that drives the Salukis' attack, averaging a team-best 2.49 kills per set, while also contributing 3.04 digs, 0.44 blocks and 0.31 assists per set.
 
No. 25 Missouri State is having a phenomenal season and has already sewed up the MVC regular-season crown with an unblemished 16-0 mark entering this weekend's action. The Bears carry a 17-match winning streak into Friday night's match at Valparaiso and four of their five losses this season have come at the hands of Power 5 conference foes. Missouri State is a remarkable 11-0 in true road matches this season, including a victory at No. 20 Ohio State on September 1.
 
Senior outside hitter Lily Johnson is a virtual lock to garner MVC Player of the Year accolades as she enters the weekend with 4.50 kills, 3.99 digs, 0.41 blocks and 0.32 aces per set, while hitting a solid .256 (500-121-1,482). Senior middle blocker Lynsey Wright provides the perfect complement for Johnson, pitching in 3.13 kills per set and hitting .318 (347-105-762).