Game Notes 
Live Video at Illinois State | Live Stats at Illinois State
Live Video at Bradley | Live Stats at Bradley

CHICAGO (October 16, 2019) - Winner of 10 of its last 11 matches, Loyola puts an undefeated record in Missouri Valley Conference play and a six-match win streak on the line this weekend when it travels to Illinois State and Bradley. Friday's match in Normal opens up a grueling stretch that will see the Ramblers play three matches in three cities in four days, all against the three teams immediately behind the Maroon and Gold in the Valley standings. At 6-0, Loyola is off to its best start ever in Valley play and its best start in conference competition since going 7-0 to open Horizon League action in 2001.

Loyola has won its last four true road matches this season and dating back to last year, has prevailed in four of its last six MVC contests played away from home. Over the last four contests, Loyola, which paces the MVC in hitting percentage (.234), is hitting a hearty .275 (187-58-469).

We're Not Jokin' About Kocken

Heather Kocken has bounced back from a tough four-match stretch in which she hit -.033 (12-14-60) and produced 12 total kills to account for 3.14 kills and 1.43 blocks per set, with a .455 (22-2-44) hitting percentage, in the last two outings, to earn MVC Player of the Week honors. In the last three meetings with Bradley, she is tallying 2.33 kps, 0.67 bps and hitting at a .350 (28-7-60) clip. When Kocken smacks 10 or more kills this season, Loyola is 5-3.

Scouting Illinois State

After playing a challenging nonconference schedule that included two matches versus top 15 teams, Illinois State has won three of its last five contests, all in Valley action, and both setbacks came in five sets. ISU is 4-1 at Redbird Arena this season, and has a four-set decision over No. 14 Illinois to its credit. Junior outside hitter Kaylee Martin leads the Redbirds' attack with 4.07 kills per set and adds 1.57 digs and 0.51 blocks per set, while hitting .251 (277-106-682). Loyola has dropped its last seven meetings overall with Illinois State and is 1-10 all-time in Normal, with that lone victory coming in 2010.

Scouting Bradley

Since opening the season with only three wins in the first 10 matches, Bradley has won five of its last seven contests, including four of the last five. When playing on their home floor at Renaissance Coliseum, the Braves are 5-3, but have won three of their last four outings. Sophomore outside hitter Hannah Thompson is putting up team highs of 3.27 kills and 4.81 digs per set. Last season, the Ramblers stumbled twice against the Braves, with the last meeting coming in excruciating fashion in five sets. Although Bradley has won three of the last four meetings, Loyola is 8-3 in the last 11 showdowns with its in-state rival.

Up Next

Loyola hosts Northern Iowa October 21.