LEBANON, Ill. (Feb. 23, 2022) – The No. 14 Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team will be back in action as they head to Lebanon, Illinois, to take on the McKendree University Bearcats. This is the first time these two teams are playing each other this season, although the Ramblers have a 15-0 record in the history of this series. 
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Ramblers traveled to No. 7 Ball State University to take on the Cardinals following a big win over the No. 14 Ohio State University Buckeyes. Loyola kept that momentum heading into Worthen Arena. The Maroon and Gold dropped the first set to the Cardinals, but that didn't halt their efforts. They came back to win the last three sets to secure the 3-1 victory over Ball State. 
 
BATTLING THE BEARCATS
McKendree has had a strong start to the MIVA season, only dropping one match to then No. 10 Ball State. They even secured wins over former No. 12 Ohio State, Lindenwood and Quincy. 
 
The setter for the Bearcats, Ryan Serrano, is one of the best in the NCAA as he currently ranks 13th for assists, averaging 9.61 per set. He is also coming off MIVA Defensive Player of the Week honors after a stellar week of conference play. 
 
Outside hitters Ethan Carroll and Patrick Ross are the two main figures on offense for McKendree. They rank 36th and 34th in the NCAA, respectively, in kills per set as they push the Bearcats past nationally-ranked opponents. The middle blockers for the Bearcats are not as active as other teams. All three athletes in this position have a combined 100 kills compared to the team's 418.  
 
In the back row, Francisco Comas is their main libero, and his skill is shown through his rankings. He is 21st in the NCAA and fourth in the MIVA for digs as he accumulates 2.00 per set.
 
WHEREABOUTS
First serve will be at 7 p.m. in the Melvin Price Convocation Center in Lebanon, Illinois. A live stream and live stats will be available for this game.