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Loyola University Chicago Athletics

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MVB Huddle
2
Loyola Chicago Loyola 11-1,3-1 MIVA
3
Winner McKendree McK 6-5,3-1 MIVA
Loyola Chicago Loyola
11-1,3-1 MIVA
2
Final
3
McKendree McK
6-5,3-1 MIVA
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 5 F
Loyola Chicago Loyola 24 25 23 25 13 (2)
McKendree McK 26 23 25 23 15 (3)

Game Recap: Men's Volleyball |

Ramblers Fall to Bearcats, 3-2, in Back-and-Forth Battle

LEBANON, Ill. – No. 6 Loyola Chicago fell, 3-2, at No. 18 McKendree on Saturday, Feb. 15 after a gritty seesaw battle that disrupted the Ramblers' previously undefeated, 11-0, record. Loyola is now 11-1 overall and 3-1 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) play heading into a three-match homestand.  

"McKendree played well tonight and was a very aggressive team at the service line. We struggled to find our rhythm offensively and at the service line, and that will be our focus this next week as we regroup for our upcoming opponents," said head coach Shane Davis. 

How It Happened  
Set One: The opening set was neck and neck throughout its entirety, seeing 13 tied scores. Despite strong defense and outhitting McKendree .379 to .250, the Ramblers gave up several points at the service line, and the Bearcats took the first frame, 26-24.  

Set Two: McKendree opened with a 3-0 lead in set two before Parker Van Buren started the scoring for Loyola who eventually pulled away with a 9-5 lead. A big block from Nicodemus Meyer and Jackson Reed pushed the Ramblers even further ahead, and a late surge from the Bearcats put them back within reach. Van Buren put away another kill from Ryan McElligott to close out the second frame, 25-23, and level the match at one set apiece.  

Set Three: The third set was the closest yet with 17 tied scores and four lead changes. Van Buren led the frame with seven kills, and the Ramblers out-hit the Bearcats for the third set in a row, but they capitalized on eight Loyola service errors and took it, 25-23.

Set Four: Determined to extend the match, Loyola answered in the fourth set with aggressive swings and key defensive plays. Loyola's first lead of the frame came at 14-13, and Van Buren and Daniel Fabikovic delivered crucial points while Meyer anchored the defense with three blocks. The Ramblers held off the Bearcats, 25-23, to force a fifth set.  

Set Five: In a decisive fifth set, McKendree never let go of its lead, and despite Loyola closing the gap, a final defensive stand from the Bearcats secured the upset over the Ramblers.  

Inside the Box Score 
  • Van Buren marked a season and match-high 27 kills on .344 hitting and led the match by a mile in points with 28.5 total.  
  • McElligott made 52 assists and added five kills and two block assists.  
  • There were 40 total tied scores and nine lead changes throughout the match.  
  • The Ramblers recorded 31 service errors against the Bearcats, the most they've ever had in a single match since March 2023 against Princeton.  
Up Next 
Loyola will regroup ahead of its three-match homestand against Purdue Fort Wayne on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m., Quincy on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. and No. 14 Lewis on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.  
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