CHICAGO – The No. 13 Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team picked up its fourth win and third straight Friday night with a straight set triumph (25-21, 25-12, 25-20) over LIU inside Gentile Arena. The Ramblers hit an astounding .566 through the evening - a season-high. Loyola's highest-ever hitting percentage was a .679 clip against Mount Olive on Jan. 18, 2014.
 
"I felt like we were really efficient from top to bottom tonight," said Loyola head coach John Hawks. Having Ryan McElligott in there setting - he did an exceptional job tonight from the service line and setting the ball to the right guys the right times. He had nine digs and just his offensive threat at the net - I felt like he made great swings. When you have that much pressure from the right side of the court with Parker Van Buren on the right as well, it was an excellent job. So, efficiency. That's the word I'd say for us tonight."
 
How it Happened
The Maroon and Gold (4-5) built a 10-7 advantage in the first set thanks in part to a 6-2 run with Nicodemus Meyer at the helm serving. Ryan McElligott, who earned his fifth start at setter, laid down a pair of kills in the run. Jake Read helped Loyola win the race to 15 points after his kill from McElligott made the score 15-11, LUC. The 'Blers posted back-to-back blocks to give themselves a 21-16 lead – Meyer, Parker Van Buren, and Daniel Fabikovic had the honors. Van Buren's kill from McElligott gave Loyola Chicago set point at 24-19 before LIU's error on the serve ended the set in the Ramblers' favor.
 
Loyola doubled its lead over the Sharks (1-5) in the second set, 6-3, after Meyer sparked a three-point run with his kill from McElligott. Later, an 8-1 LUC run led to a 15-7 advantage. LIU called a timeout in the middle of the run, but nothing could slow the Ramblers' .609 hitting percentage (match-high) in the second set. Before the Sharks could reach double digits, a 6-0 Loyola run gave the 'Blers a stifling 22-9 edge. McElligott skipped the set and dumped the ball over the net to give the Ramblers set point at 24-11 before Miller Trubey ended the set for Loyola with his third kill on three swings.
 
In the third and final set, the Ramblers held a five-point lead (15-10) after a quick three-point swing, including two aces from Trubey. Three LIU errors helped the 'Blers achieve a 21-16 lead before the Sharks called a timeout. LIU helped itself to two points after a pair of Loyola errors made the score 23-19, Loyola, but Trubey's kill at 24-19 gave Loyola Chicago set point. Colton Brooks posted the match-winner from McElligott as the Ramblers claimed their third straight win.    
 
Notes

• Van Buren's 11 kills on 15 swings (.667) were a match-high and his most in his past three matches.
• Meyer and McElligott were five-for six on kills, both hitting .833.
• McElligott posted a match-high 37 assists and nine digs, sniffing a double-double.
• Meyer racked up three blocks at the net, a match-high.
• Trubey laid down three aces, bringing his season total to 13, tying read for the team's most. He hit .727 with eight kills on eight swings.

 
Up Next
The Ramblers end their non-con slate of action tomorrow (Jan. 27) as the team plays host to No. 16 George Mason inside Gentile. First serve is set for 5 p.m. with the match streaming live on ESPN+.