Game Notes | Live Video vs. Drake | Live Stats vs. Drake | Live Video vs. UNI | Live Stats vs. UNI

CHICAGO (September 20, 2017) - Loyola raises the curtain on Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend when it plays host to Drake and No. 22 UNI. The Ramblers, who have dropped their last five matches, are coming off of a difficult non-conference portion of the schedule, but are looking to get off to a fast start in league play. Loyola has stormed out of the gate to hot starts in Missouri Valley action in each of the last two seasons and will be looking to replicate that in 2017. A year ago, the Ramblers won three of their first four conference contests, and in 2015, got off to a sizzling 6-1 start.
 
Scouting The Opponents
Drake enters Friday's match having won five of its last six matches, including each of the last three. The Bulldogs have fared well in contests that have gone the minimum or the distance, posting a combined 8-1 record in three and five-set matches. Drake features a balanced offensive attack that showcases four players with 90 or more kills, led by Kyla Inderski (3.15 kills per set). Libero Courtney Morehead paces the Bulldogs in both total digs (142) and service aces (15).
 
Loyola and Drake will be meeting for the 19th time in a series that dates back to 1978. The Ramblers have claimed seven of the last eight meetings between the teams including six of the last seven in Chicago.
 
UNI will be the third nationally ranked team Loyola has faced already this season and the Panthers come into the weekend with four victories over ranked opponents to their credit this year. Karlie Taylor is averaging 3.89 kills and 2.98 digs per set, while Piper Thomas is pitching in 3.54 kills and 0.98 blocks per set for UNI.
 
Loyola is winless in 14 previous meetings against UNI and a win on Saturday would give them their first victory over a nationally ranked team since a 30-27, 30-24, 21-30, 16-30, 15-7 victory over No. 21 Illinois on September 6, 2002 in Alumni Gym.