CHICAGO (Feb. 4, 2022) – The Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team was back in Gentile Arena as the Ramblers took on the No. 8 Grand Canyon University Lopes. After three sets of play, Grand Canyon was the team that ended on top as they defeated Loyola 3-0.
 
FROM COACH MARK HULSE
"We're getting better and better, we just have to do it consistently," Hulse said. "They've been working their butts off and they've been bringing it. I thought our compete level got there halfway through set two. Once we turned that corner, we just had to move forward and try to beat the bad guys."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lopes came out strong against the Ramblers in the first set. Although Loyola hung close with Grand Canyon throughout most of the set, the Lopes pulled away on a service run from one of the top servers in the NCAA in Camden Gianni, resulting in a 25-17 loss in the first for the Maroon and Gold. 
 
Once the second set started, the Ramblers began to fight back. They kept the match close throughout most of the set until the last five points when the Lopes began to pull away. At the end of the second set, the Lopes came out on top, beating the Ramblers 25-19. 
 
The third set was a fierce battle between the two teams. Even the number of kills showed the equal playing field between these competitors as they both had 15 in the final set. The match went back and forth with multiple tie ups, but ultimately, Grand Canyon was the team to pull out the win in extra points, resulting in a 26-24 loss for Loyola in the final set. 
 
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• Leading the way for the Ramblers on offense was none other than Parker Van Buren. The redshirt freshman had the most kills of anyone on the floor with 15 while only having four errors to hit .379 on the night. 
• Commanding the offense as always was Garrett Zolg, who ended the night with 32 assists. He also helped the team out on defense in the front and back rows with eight digs and three blocks. 
• Controlling the defense at the net was Andrew Lyons, who finished the night with four blocks. This was tied for the most blocks on the floor for the night. 

 
UP NEXT
The Ramblers (4-5) will be back in action to kick off the MIVA play against Quincy. The match is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 10. First serve will be at 3 p.m.