CHICAGO (March 24, 2022) – After a thrilling four-set victory over MIVA opponent Purdue Fort Wayne, the Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team will be back in Gentile as they host McKendree University for a MIVA contest. The last time these two teams faced off, the Bearcats pulled off the reverse sweep to give Loyola its only loss so far this season. 
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Ramblers were at home here in Chicago as they took on the Mastodons of Purdue Fort Wayne. Although Loyola lost the first set, it didn't stop them from making a comeback to defeat the Mastodons in the last three sets. This pushed the Ramblers to 7-1 in the conference as they head into this weekend series. 
 
BATTLING THE BEARCATS
McKendree has been having a standout season. They are currently third in the MIVA after going 4-3 for the first half of the season. Most recently, they beat No. 12 Lewis to put them at 5-3 in the conference standings, just behind Loyola and Ball State. The Bearcats secured wins over Pepperdine, Ohio State, Loyola and Lewis.
 
The team has some of the best numbers in the country when it comes to digs. They are third in the NCAA and first in the conference in digs, averaging 9.46 per set. Along with their defensive efforts, the Bearcats also rank highly in kills per set. They currently sit in 13th in this category as they register 12.32 per set. 
 
The pin hitters are the biggest offensive weapons for McKendree. Senior outside hitters Ethan Carroll and Patrick Ross rank No. 1 and No. 2 in kills, with Carroll recording 238 and Ross adding on 225. Carroll was the most recent MIVA Offensive Player of the Week after averaging 5.00 kills per set against the Flyers. Setter Ryan Serrano is the only other Bearcat to receive Player of the Week honors this season.
 
WHEREABOUTS
This match between the Ramblers and the Bearcats will begin at 7 p.m. in Gentile Arena. A live stream will be available through ESPN+ and live stats will also be available. The team will have 70's Night and the first 100 students to arrive at the game will receive free Raising Canes.