FORT WAYNE, Ind. – No. 8 Loyola Chicago stunned Purdue Fort Wayne in a straight set, 3-0, sweep at Gates Sports Center on Friday, March 14 in what marks the Ramblers' seventh conference victory. Loyola improves to 15-2 overall and 7-2 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) play.  

"Our guys came out focused and executed at a fast-paced, high level tonight. We controlled the momentum from the first serve and kept the pressure on with our serving and blocking. It was a complete team effort that showcased what we've been correcting in practice," said head coach Shane Davis, who is now 279-90 in the Maroon and Gold.

How It Happened 

Set One: Loyola came out hot in the opening set, building an early 5-1 lead behind kills from Daniel Fabikovic and Nicodemus Meyer. The Mastodons struggled to find a rhythm, committing several attack errors that allowed the Ramblers to extend their lead. Ryan McElligott instrumented the offense with 11 assists in the first frame while adding two kills on three swings. Meyer was dominant at the net, recording two solo blocks and one assist to help lift Loyola to a comfortable 25-15 first set victory, sealed by a kill from Fabikovic. 

Set Two: The Ramblers' dominance continued into the second set as Parker Van Buren and Fabikovic led a balanced attack. Loyola jumped out to a quick 6-1 lead and never looked back with McElligott recording nine assists and two kills in the set. The Ramblers' defense, anchored by Meyer, held Purdue Fort Wayne to a .062 hitting percentage and McElligott and Fabikovic added three block assists apiece. A Mastodons' service error gave Loyola the second set, 25-14. 

Set Three: Loyola did not let up in the final set, racing to a 14-3 lead behind the serving of Brad Bell, who had two service aces in the frame, and the hitting efficiency of Fabikovic and Van Buren with both Ramblers recording four kills on five swings. The Ramblers hit an impressive .765 in the set, while Purdue Fort Wayne managed just a .136 clip. Loyola clinched the match at 25-12 with a kill from Bryce Robbins, assisted by McElligott.

Inside the Box Score 

• Fabikovic was the kill leader with 10 on .444 hitting and Van Buren came in second, clocking nine kills on .571 hitting. 
• The Ramblers recorded nine total service aces with Van Buren and Bell each recording three while McElligott added two and Read had one.
• Loyola hit .524 while holding Purdue Fort Wayne to just .053, and out blocked its opponent 12-2.  

Up Next 
The Ramblers return to Chicago for a four-match homestand, starting with No. 16 Ohio State on Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. then No. 7 Cal State University Northridge (CSUN) on Saturday, March 22 at 5 p.m.