CHICAGO (March 24, 2022) – The Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team was back in Gentile Arena as they welcomed McKendree University, who received votes in the most recent AVCA Division I-II poll. After five sets of play, the Bearcats were the ones who ended up on top as they upset the No. 11 Ramblers (28-26, 25-21, 25-13, 25-22, 15-10).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
These two teams duked it out last time they played one another, and this match was no different. Although the Ramblers struck first, it didn't stop the Bearcats from throwing punches of their own. They battled all the way back to even the score late in the set. The perseverance paid off in extra points for McKendree as they took the first 28-26 from Loyola. 
 
From there, the Bearcats had the momentum. They pushed forward in the second set and took the lead over the Ramblers. Loyola attempted a comeback throughout the set, but McKendree was not having any of that. The Bearcats ultimately ended the second set 25-21 to take a 2-0 lead over Loyola. 
 
Once the two teams got back on the court from the break, it was Loyola who had the momentum. They came out firing on all cylinders as they took control early. The Ramblers dominated the Bearcats in this set, giving them no room to breathe as they won 25-13.
 
Just as the first two sets were close competitions, the fourth set was just the same. McKendree and Loyola went back and forth to start off the fourth set until Garrett Zolg went on a five-point service run to give the Ramblers the lead. Even though the Bearcats attempted to claw their way back into the set, it wasn't enough for them to come back as the Ramblers won 25-22. 
 
In this final deciding set, it was all McKendree's game. They took the early lead and ran with it, defeating Loyola 15-10. 
 
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• Leading the team in kills was outside hitter Cole Schlothauer. His impressive game at the pin gave him 18 kills and three service aces. Along with that, he tallied six digs and one block on defense. 
• Following close behind Schlothauer was Parker Van Buren. The redshirt freshman ended tonight's game with 17 kills while also adding nine digs and a team-high three blocks.  
• Guiding the offensive efforts was Zolg. The setter finished the night with 54 assists along with 16 digs, giving him his fifth double-double of the year. 
• Andrew Lyons had one of his best offensive nights of the season. He registered 10 kills with no errors on 16 attempts, resulting in a .625 hitting percentage.

 
UP NEXT
The Ramblers will have one day off before they continue with MIVA play as they travel conference rival in the No. 12 Lewis University Flyers. First serve on Saturday, March 26, is scheduled for 7 p.m. A live stream will be available through the GLVC website and live stats will also be available.