CHICAGO (April 9, 2022) -- Following a thrilling three-set win over Ball State on Thursday, the No. 11 Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team is ready to bring home the MIVA Regular Season Championship, its first since 2018.

LAST TIME OUT
The Ramblers took on the No. 7 Ball State Cardinals. Loyola's chances for being the regular season champions was on the line as Ball State could take it with them. But Loyola did not disappoint. The Ramblers came out and swept the Cardinals to keep their regular season hopes alive. 

BEATING THE BUCKEYES
Ohio State has one of the best offenses in the country as they rank in the top 10 in assists, kills per set and hitting percentage. They are currenlty third in assists with 12.43 per set, fourth in kills per set with 13.09 and ninth for hitting percentage with a .309. 

Noah Platfoot sets up a phenomenal offense as he is currently fifth in the NCAA for assists with 930. The Buckeyes also have the best defender in the MIVA. Parker Mikesch is No. 1 in the conference for digs, putting up 2.15 per set. 

Head Coach Kevin Burch is in his third season with the Buckeyes after taking over for legendary coach Pete Hanson. Once Burch came back on the coaching staff in 2016, Ohio State won back-to-back national championships. 

Ohio State is currently fighting for the fourth through sixth-place seeds heading to the MIVA tournament. At this point, they need a win against the No. 11 Ramblers to have a chance at hosting a quarterfinal match.

WHEREABOUTS
The team will honors its three seniors Garrett Zolg, Andrew Lyons and Henry Payne before the 3 p.m. start. The game will be on NBC Sports Chicago for those within service range and ESPN+ for those outside of the Chicagoland area.