CHICAGO (September 7, 2021) - Fresh off claiming the title at the Hampton Inn Chicago North/Loyola Station Rambler Challenge last weekend at Gentile Arena, Loyola looks to extend its winning streak when it travels to Manhattan, Kan., to compete in the four-team K-State Invitational, September 9 and 10. A victory over Ohio on Thursday would give the Ramblers their fourth straight win, which would be their longest winning streak since claiming six consecutive contests from October 25 through November 15, 2019. 

This marks the second time Loyola has competed in a tournament at Kansas State. In 2016, the Ramblers went 1-2 against a tough field, sandwiching a five-set win over Mississippi State around losses to Miami (3-2) and the host Wildcats (3-0).

When Loyola takes on tournament host Kansas State Friday night, it will be seeking its first win versus a Power 5 conference opponent since disposing of Northwestern, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 17-25, 17-15, on September 20, 2019 at the Chicago Cup hosted by DePaul.

The Ramblers have won three straight and five of their last six matches played at neutral sites. Loyola will be seeking its first true road win versus a Power 5 foe since September 3, 2016, when it earned a five-set decision at Wake Forest.

Scouting Ohio

The Bobcats head into the K-State Invitational in search of their first win of the season and have dropped six straight contests dating back to last spring. Opposite Maggie Nedoma averages 3.26 kills, 1.84 digs and 0.42 aces per set. 

Scouting Fresno State

Fresno State has won its last two matches, picking up victories over Cal State Northridge and UC Riverside last weekend. Outside hitter Desiree Sukhov had a solid opening weekend last week, putting up 3.58 kills, 1.75 digs and 0.67 blocks per set for the Bulldogs, who are averaging 2.42 blocks per set as a team. Middle blocker Grace Doyle chips in 2.75 kills and 1.50 blocks per set and is hitting a hearty .439 (33-8-57).

Scouting Kansas State

Kansas State, which will be playing its first matches at Bramlage Coliseum this season, has won its last two contests, taking down UC Santa Barbara and San Diego State. Aliyah Carter, the 2020 Big 12 Freshman of the Year, has picked up where she left off in the spring and is providing the Wildcats with 4.25 kills and 2.50 digs per set this fall. As a team, K-State is hitting at a .262 (231-81-572) clip through five matches this season.

Up Next

Loyola will compete in the annual Chicago Cup, which will be hosted by Northwestern, September 17 and 18.