ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The No. 12 Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team won its fourth MIVA match of 2024 behind a 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-14, 25-17) decision over Lindenwood Saturday night. Three Ramblers ended in double-figure kills, with Parker Van Buren's 17 leading the way. Jack Yentz's career-high 15 and Daniel Fabikovic's 12 also helped pace Loyola's attack in the win.

"It was a nice win and a nice response by the guys," said Loyola head coach John Hawks after the win. "We came out of the gates focused. We've made some adjustments, and I felt like the additional changes were good for our energy. So, I'm very happy with the results."

How it Happened
Loyola Chicago (9-8, 4-3 MIVA) claimed the match-opener behind 15 kills and a team hitting percentage of .429. Starting his third match of the season, Yentz led the way with four kills, giving Loyola a spark on offense. The Sun Prairie, Wis. native posted back-to-back kills from Dan Mangun which gave Loyola a 7-2 lead early. Lindenwood came within one point of the 'Blers after a quick 3-0 run made the score 17-16, Loyola. But, the Maroon and Gold held tight and ended the set at 25-23 after Van Buren's kill from Mangun.

The Lions (5-8, 2-4 MIVA) leveled the match, 1-1, after winning the second set behind a .405 team hitting percentage. Lindenwood held a 23-17 lead after a 5-2 run late in the set. Loyola came within three points at 23-20 after Van Buren's kill capped a 3-0 Loyola run, but the Lions buckled down for the final two points after a kill and a Loyola error, claiming the second frame.

After the break in between the second and third sets, Loyola buckled down for a big fourth-set win. Jimmy Meinhart's kill from Mangun midway through the set sparked a 5-0 Rambler run, giving LUC a 13-5 advantage before the Lions could blink. Then a 7-2 Loyola stretch, which included five Rambler kills, put LUC in command, 20-8. Loyola Chicago reached set point after a Lindenwood service error before Van Buren tallied the set-winner from Mangun, giving the 'Blers a 2-1 edge in the match.

With victory in sight, Loyola rallied for a second-straight set win to claim the match. The final frame began tied, 5-5, but Loyola gained the lead after a 3-0 run, including kills from Van Buren and Fabikovic, plus an ace. The Maroon and Gold won the race to 15 points after a 6-1 stretch made the score 15-8. Later at 23-14, LUC, the Lions scored three-straight to come within six points, but back-to-back kills from Fabikovic ended the set and match in Loyola's favor.    

Notes

• Van Buren led for the second-straight night against Lindenwood, posting 17 kills, a match-high. He added eight digs as well.
• Yentz broke his previous career-high of nine kills with 12 in the win. He also tallied a season-best seven digs.
• Back in the starting rotation after battling injury, Mangun logged a season-high 52 assists.
• Fabikovic totaled 15 kills and added a match-high three aces at the helm.
• Getting the start at libero, JJ Sowa had a career-high 15 digs.
• Meinhart led at the net with a match-high four blocks.

Up Next
The Ramblers will have a short break before action ramps back up this Thursday (Feb. 29) in a home contest versus Purdue Fort Wayne. First serve is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.