CHICAGO (March 16, 2021) - After playing just two matches over a 21-day span, Loyola is back in action this week when it hosts Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) leader and No. 8 McKendree, March 18 and 19, at The Alfie Norville Practice Facility. Loyola got back on track and snapped a three-match skid with a wild and entertaining 28-30, 30-28, 25-23, 25-22 victory at Purdue Fort Wayne on March 12.At 9-3 overall, Loyola is off to its best start through 12 matches since 2018, when it began the year with a 10-2 ledger. This is the deepest into a season Loyola has ever gone since the program's inception in 1996 without playing a nationally ranked opponent.

Sophomore libero Jack Yentz was named MIVA Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday after registering a career-high 15 digs in last Friday's victory at Purdue Fort Wayne. His 15 digs were the most by a Rambler since Avery Aylsworth totaled 15 versus Grand Canyon on March 8, 2019.

Loyola – McKendree – The Series

Loyola has won each of the previous 12 meetings in its series with McKendree and is undefeated in seven matches against the Bearcats in Chicago. In the only meeting between the teams a year ago before the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ramblers picked up a 25-13, 25-22, 22-25, 25-15 victory at Gentile Arena behind 22 kills from Cole Schlothauer, who hit a robust .462 (22-4-39) for the match. In series history, Loyola has dropped only three sets to McKendree and is 21-1 all-time in sets played versus the Bearcats in the Windy City.

Scouting McKendree

McKendree comes into this week's series ranked No. 8 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division I-II Poll, although it suffered its first loss of the season last Friday versus Lewis. The Bearcats have prevailed in all three of their road matches this season, collecting a pair of wins at Lindenwood and another at Lewis. The tandem of Patrick Ross (2.87 kills, 1.53 digs per set) and Ethan Carroll (2.65 kills and 1.16 digs per set) paces the McKendree attack, and as a team, the Bearcats are hitting a collective .287. Lucas Galifos, who is hitting .529 (54-9-85), leads the MIVA with 1.44 blocks per set.

Up Next

Loyola pays a visit to No. 15 Ball State, March 26 and 27.