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

CHICAGO (September 26, 2018) - Winners of three straight and 11 of the last 13 outings, Loyola closes out a three-match homestand this weekend when it hosts UNI and Drake. Picked to finish eighth in the Preseason Missouri Valley Conference Coaches Poll, the Ramblers are currently tied atop the league standings with a 3-0 Valley record. Loyola's 3-0 start to Valley play is its best through three matches since joining the Valley in 2013 and marks its top start in conference play since opening Horizon League action with three consecutive wins in 2004. The last time the Ramblers won their first four conference contests was 2002 when they raced out to a 5-0 Horizon League ledger. Loyola got off to a 6-1 Valley start in 2015.

Scouting UNI

UNI has played an arduous schedule this season and recently rebounded from losses to No. 8 Illinois and No. 10 Creighton by knocking off Drake and Indiana State to start Valley competition. Already this season, the Panthers own wins over Indiana, Creighton and Kentucky, which was ranked No. 5 at the time.

Loyola is winless in 16 previous meetings with UNI and has claimed just three sets in the last eight match-ups. Led by junior outside hitter Karlie Taylor, who contributes 4.75 kills and 2.80 digs per set, the Panthers are 2-2 in true road matches this season.

Scouting Drake

After getting off to a torrid start, winning 11 of their first 12 contests, the Bulldogs have stumbled in three of their last four outings and snapped a three-match slide with a four-set win over Evansville Monday.

Drake's balanced attack is keyed by senior outside hitter Cathryn Cheek, who puts up 3.23 kills and 2.56 digs per set. Loyola and Drake have split their last six meetings.

Up Next

After a busy start to Valley play, Loyola will play just one match over the next 12 days, that coming when it makes the short trip to Valparaiso October 5.