CHICAGO – The Ramblers close out eight straight games on their home turf this weekend. Loyola Chicago will take on Massachusetts Saturday and Sunday. First pitch is 12 p.m. both days.
 
Loyola is welcoming back former Ramblers for Alumni Weekend at Hoyne Field. Saturday will feature the team's annual Home Run Derby after the doubleheader. Students are also eligible for the Loyola Flag giveaway.
 
Quick Hits
• Loyola played a midweek doubleheader with Saint Louis earlier this week. The teams split the day. Both came away with 6-3 wins.
• The Ramblers sit sixth in the standings at 9-8 behind UMass in fifth at 8-7.
• It marked Pepkowski's sixth shutout this season and 10^th win. She took home her second straight A-10 Pitcher of the Week nod following the performance.
• In game two, Andie Broniewicz posted a no-hitter against the Bonnies. She struck out four on her way to the second no-hitter of her career. She tossed one last season against Bradley. It's the ninth no-hitter in program history.
• In game three, Bailey Johnson won her first game of the year in the circle. She retired four batters after coming in to pitch the remaining five innings of action.
• Loyola's pitching continues to be one of the best units in the league. The Ramblers rank third in ERA (3.32) and first in shutouts (9), strikeouts (213), and opponent batting average (.242).
• Sydney Barnett hit .800 (4-5) over the three-game series. She tallied a double, home run, three RBI, and a run. Barnett was walked four times. She picked up her second Player of the Week honor after the performance.
• Barnett sits fourth in RBI (36) and second in homers (9).
• Head coach Alicia Abbott is in her fifth season at the helm. She has 89 wins with the Ramblers.
 
Scouting UMass
The Minutewomen are 12-27 overall and 8-7 in Atlantic 10 play. UMass took a game from George Mason, Dayton, and Saint Louis, tallied a series sweep over St. Bonaventure, and won the series vs. Fordham. In A-10 play, UMass ranks seventh in batting average (.272) and ninth in ERA (5.39).
 
Chloe Whittier is hitting .308 this season to lead the Minutewomen. She has 33 total hits, including three doubles, a triple, and two homers. Whittier has scored the most runs (22). Julianne Bolton has started the most games in the circle (18). With 110 innings pitched, she holds a 4.65 ERA and 91 strikeouts.
 
Danielle Henderson holds a 47-93 record after three seasons at the helm with UMass.