PEORIA, Ill. (March 15, 2021)
 
In Short
Sophomore outside hitter Sarah Murczek recorded a double-double with 13 kills and 13 digs, but Loyola University Chicago (7-6-, 6-6 MVC) came up on the short end of a 25-22, 25-18, 25-18 decision tonight to Bradley (10-4, 10-4 MVC). 
 
How It Happened
Kills from Emily Banitt and Jenna Appel, a block by Elle Van Grinsven and Banitt, and an ace from Murczek, comprised a 4-0 Ramblers run that put Loyola on top, 13-9. However, Bradley rattled off a 10-2 spurt that put the Braves ahead to stay, at 19-15, and although the Ramblers fought back and got within a point, at 23-22, the hosts held on for a 25-22 win.
 
Bradley's 6-1 run that was keyed by aces from Hannah Thompson and Serena Sparks turned a tied second set into a 16-11 Braves advantage. Loyola battled back and Appel's ace brought the Ramblers within a point, at 17-16, but five straight Bradley points, cemented the outcome in the Braves' 25-18 decision.
 
Four unanswered points early in set three allowed Bradley to claim a 6-3 lead it would never relinquish on the way to a 25-18 victory. The Ramblers mounted a rally, using a Taylor Venuto kill and ace from Appel to slice the Braves' lead to 17-15, but a Kora Kauling kill sparked a string of three straight tallies that provided Bradley with a five-point cushion.
 
A Look at the Numbers

• Murczek served up three aces to go with her 13 kills and 13 digs, and Venuto contributed 10 kills for the Ramblers, who hit .104 for the match.
• Thompson led Bradley with eight kills and added 24 digs.

 
Up Next
Loyola continues a four-match road trip when it heads to Northern Iowa, March 21-22.