HARROGATE, Tenn. (Jan. 27, 2022) – After a tough weekend of competition in Gentile last weekend, the Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team hits the road for two matches in Tennessee as they take on the Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial and the Tornado of King University. 
 
LAST TIME OUT
A two-match series in Gentile Arena ended with a 1-1 record for the Ramblers. They topped Belmont Abbey in dominating fashion with a 3-0 while they lost to No. 5 Long Beach State in three sets. Senior Henry Payne had an outstanding night against the Crusaders, registering 11 kills and no errors for the best performance in his collegiate career. Jimmy Meinhart also had a great showing against the Crusaders, contributing seven blocks for the team. 
 
Against the Beach, the Ramblers were not able to find as much success. The fast-paced offense and big blocks from Long Beach tampered with Loyola's game plan, resulting in the loss. So far this season, the Ramblers have only lost to teams ranked in the top five of the AVCA Coaches' Poll. 
 
RAMBLERS vs RAILSPLITTERS
Lincoln Memorial has only played two games this season against Purdue Fort Wayne and King University. Against the Mastadons, the Railsplitters were able to earn a three-set win. When facing the Tornado, they just squeezed out a 3-2 victory.
 
The Railsplitters have one player ranked in the NCAA Top 5 in a statistical category. Dawson Walker is the No. 1 athlete in the country for blocks with 1.75 per set. Cole Campisano also ranks high in the NCAA, sitting in 19th for hitting percentage with a .362.
 
Overall, the team ranks fourth in the NCAA for blocks per set with 2.875. They have also held their opponents to a hitting percentage of .147 in their first two games.
 
IN THE MIDST OF THE TORNADO
King University is 1-4 on the season as they only secured a win against Fort Valley State. 

Outside hitter Suetonius Harris is the main offensive weapon for the Tornado as he currently has the most kills on the team with 38. The main force on defense comes from middle blocker Aaron Milstead. He had the third-most blocks in a five-set, NCAA match this season with seven. He leads his team in total blocks with 14. 
 
King has three setters that could make an impact in any given game for the Tornado. However, JT Deepe leads the team in assists with 85 followed by AJ Drooker with 44.
 
WHEREABOUTS
Friday night's match will take place in Harrogate, Tenn., where the Ramblers will take on Lincoln Memorial. First serve for that match is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT. On Saturday, the team will head to Bristol, Tenn., for their second match of the weekend against King University. First serve is also scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT.