COLUMBUS (Feb. 16, 2022) – After a hot start to MIVA competition in Gentile, the Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team is back on the road as they take on the No. 14 Buckeyes of Ohio State University on Thursday, Feb. 17. 
 
LAST TIME OUT
This past weekend, the Ramblers opened up conference play against the Hawks of Quincy University and the Lions of Lindenwood University. Thursday afternoon's match against the Hawks wrapped up in three sets as Loyola swept Quincy. When they got to Saturday night, the Ramblers kept the same momentum, defeating Lindenwood 3-1. 
 
Following these two big wins, redshirt freshman Parker Van Buren received AVCA Division I-II Player of the Week honors as he totaled 36 kills and six blocks over these seven sets. 

LOCKING IN ON THE BUCKEYES
Ohio State comes into this match with losses to No. 9 Lewis and McKendree, putting them at 0-2 to start off MIVA play. The team has one of the best offenses in the NCAA as rank 10th for assists per set and 13th for kills per set. 
 
Noah Platfoot is one of the key players for the Buckeyes as he ranks 12th in the NCAA for assists per set with 9.61. When it comes to back row defense, Parker Mikesch is their guy. He leads the team in digs while ranking 17th in the nation with 2.15 per set. On offense for the Buckeyes, Jacob Pasteur is their main weapon. He currently ranks 17th in the NCAA for points, grabbing 4.31 per set.
 
Ohio State is trying to find their rhythm at the pin. Besides sophomore Pasteur, only one other Buckeye has at least 100 kills on the season, and that's junior middle blocker Samuel Clark. The Buckeyes' other middle, freshman Cole Young, is a main contributor to the team's front row defense with 22 blocks. The other pin hitters rotate between other players.

WHEREABOUTS
First serve will be at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio. A live stream will be available on BTN+ and live stats will also be available.