CHICAGO – Powered by five in double-figures, the Loyola University Chicago women's basketball team beat Elmhurst. 108-41, in an exhibition game inside Gentile Arena Sunday afternoon. The exhibition helped the team gain live-game experience before the season opener against Kentucky State next Monday.

"We're thrilled to be back in Gentile to open the 2024-25 season," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. "Really excited about the game environment, especially for an exhibition at noon on a Sunday. To have our band be electric, our cheer and dance be vibrant, our supporters be out, was amazing,"

The Maroon and Gold ended the day 44-of-78 (56-percent) from the field and 13-of-35 (37-percent) from long range. At the charity stripe, the 'Blers were a perfect 7-of-7. Clicking on all cylinders, Loyola Chicago totaled an impressive 28 assists and 54 rebounds. Additionally, the Ramblers' defense forced 23 Bluejays turnovers.

"As a coaching staff, we stepped away, and I think having 28 assists in our first game really matters to us, because that's the type of basketball we're trying to play," Guth continued.

Freshman Brooklyn Vaughn led all scorers coming off the bench, racking up 21 points going 9-of-11 from the field and 1-of-1 from deep. Vaughn added eight rebounds, two steals, and an assist, as well.

Jess Finney, Loyola's transfer from San Diego, scored 20 points as she was 7-of-9 from the floor and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Finney crashed the glass for four rebounds and snagged a trio of steals and assists, too.

Kira Chivers added 13 points going 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-6 from 3-point range. Sitori Tanin, who notched a game-high nine rebounds, was 5-of-7 from the floor to total 11 points.   

"Really appreciate Elmhurst coming over here and challenging us with their dribble drive offense and putting us in some tough positions where we had to defend. And I'm really glad that our players got an opportunity to go us against them in a real gameday setting to prepare ourselves for our home opener on Monday, Nov. 4. A lot of good things happened today, and a lot of things that are we are reflective on that we need to get better at."

The Ramblers now turn their attention to the season opener Monday, Nov. 4. The team will host Kentucky State at 5 p.m. CT inside Gentile Arena. ESPN+ will broadcast the game.