Game Notes
Live Video at Evansville | Live Stats at Evansville
Live Video at Indiana State | Live Stats at Indiana State
Live Video vs. Missouri State | Live Stats vs. Missouri State

CHICAGO (September 20, 2018) - After putting together a solid 8-4 record during the nonconference portion of its schedule, Loyola begins Missouri Valley Conference action with three matches in four days this weekend. The Ramblers dropped their final two contests at the Chicago Cup last Saturday, but they last time they lost consecutive matches this year, they responded by rattling off eight consecutive wins. Loyola is looking to get off to a fast start in Valley play, but since joining the league, has won its conference opener just once in five seasons. That lone victory came in 2015 when the Ramblers upended Bradley (25-16, 25-15, 25-18). Loyola's best start in MVC competition came in 2015 when it stormed out to a 6-1 record before finishing 9-9.

Scouting Evansville

Evansville got off to a 5-2 start, but since then has dropped five of its last six contests, including each of the last three. The Purple Aces, who are just 2-3 at home, are an impressive 4-0 in five-set matches this season and are led by junior outside hitter Rachel Tam (4.49 kills per set).

Scouting Indiana State

Senior outside hitter Laura Gross, who averages 3.06 kills per set and adds 3.53 digs per set, paces the Sycamores, who also got off to a strong start, going 4-1 to open 2018. Indiana State is 2-1 at ISU Arena this season, with all three of those matches going the full distance. Loyola has dropped four of its last five meetings with ISU.

Scouting Missouri State

The Bears are 7-3 in their last 10 matches and have lost just three sets in their seven victories. Amelia Flynn, a freshman outside hitter, has made an immediate impact and leads Missouri State with 3.00 kills ad is adding 2.39 digs and 0.64 blocks per set. Loyola has struggled against MSU since joining The Valley, going just 1-10 versus the Bears.

Up Next

Loyola, which is 4-2 at Gentile Arena this season, wraps up a three-match homestand next weekend when it hosts UNI (Sept. 28) and Drake (Sept. 29).