CHICAGO (October 26, 2022) - After capturing its 12th consecutive win Tuesday night, Loyola University Chicago (18-7, 12-0 A-10) continues the homestand against VCU (12-12, 7-5 A-10) in a pair of matches this weekend. Friday's first serve is set for 5 p.m. CT inside Gentile Arena, before the two teams return Saturday at 4 p.m. CT.
 
Loyola's current win streak (12) is tied for the fifth-longest in the nation, with the Ramblers one win away from tying the longest win streak (13) in program history. The 2002 squad ripped off 13 consecutive wins en route to capturing a Horizon League regular season title.
 
The Ramblers have enjoyed success inside the friendly confines of Gentile over the past two seasons, posting a combined 19-1 home record with nine straight home victories dating back to 2021.

With just six matches remaining before the start of the Atlantic 10 Conference Women's Volleyball Championship, Loyola finds itself perched atop the league standings. The Ramblers hold a one-match edge over Davidson, who sits second.

Last Time Out
Loyola picked up a 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-17 victory over Saint Louis at Gentile Arena. Addie Barnes put up a season-high 17 kills in addition to 10 digs, while Karlie McNabb reached double figures in kills for the 11th time in 2022, matching Barnes with 17 kills to go along with 13 digs. Bree Borum added a double-double of her own, posting 38 assists and 16 digs. Emily Banitt chipped in 10 kills of her own, rounding out a trio of Ramblers in double figures in the category. Watson led Loyola's defensive efforts, putting up a career-high nine blocks as the Billikens hit just .072 (39-28-152). Grace Hinchman continued her steady work, closing the night with a team-best 19 digs.

Scouting VCU
VCU travels to Rogers Park for the first time after capping a five-match homestand Tuesday, falling 3-1 to Davidson. Despite the setback, the Rams have won four out of their previous six matches. VCU features a strong defense, ranking fourth nationally in digs (1,613) and ninth in total blocks (225). Senior outside hitter Qairo Bentley leads the way, averaging over three kills and three digs per set, along with sophomore middle blockers Jasmine Knight (2.31 kills, 0.89 blocks) and Sarah Stratton (1.07 blocks). VCU received a pair of first-place votes and was picked second in the A-10 preseason poll – which was one spot ahead of Loyola. The Rams carry a 3-4 in road matches.

Up Next
Loyola will hit the road for a two-game series at Dayton on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 4-5. The A-10 showdown will be the first meeting with the Flyers since 2002.