QUINCY, Ill. – No. 6 Loyola Chicago continued its perfect start to the season with a decisive 3-0 sweep over conference foe Quincy on Friday, Feb. 14 at Pepsi Arena. The Ramblers improved to 11-0 overall and 3-0 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) play.
"Tonight we stayed aggressive at the service line, controlled the net defensively, and played disciplined volleyball from start to finish. Quincy is a tough team, and we knew we had to bring our best effort," said head coach Shane Davis. "Our depth continues to be a strength, and I thought we had great contributions across the board."
How It Happened
Set One: Loyola set the tone early, utilizing a strong offensive presence from middle blockers Nicodemus Meyer and Aidan Klein with four kills apiece. The Ramblers built an early lead before the Hawks fought back to tie the set, 14-14. Key kills from Jackson Reed and Daniel Fabikovic helped Loyola pull away, sealing the set with a four-point cushion, 25-21.
Set Two: The second set was all Loyola, as the Ramblers dominated in transition play and limited Quincy's offense to a negative hitting percentage (-.136). Loyola's defense was on fire, with 10 block assists coming in the second frame. The Ramblers closed the set on a 10-4 run to take a commanding 2-0 match lead.
Set Three: The Hawks stayed within striking distance thanks to great attacking efforts from Aleksandar Sosa until the Ramblers pulled ahead late, with Reed and Klein combining for six kills down the stretch. A final block by Klein sealed the match and completed the straight-set sweep, 25-21.
Inside the Box Score
- The win marks Loyola's sixth straight-set victory this season.
- Loyola finished the night with 11 total blocks and a .333 hitting percentage while holding Quincy to .148.
- Klein recorded a team-high nine kills and added four blocks.
Up Next
The Ramblers stay on the road to face McKendree on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in Lebanon, Ill.
