MUNCIE, Ind. – In front of a rowdy crowd at Worthen Arena, No. 9 Loyola Chicago took down No. 12 Ball State in a four-set battle on Friday, March 7, powered by standout offensive performances from Daniel Fabikovic and Tyler Howard. The Ramblers improved to 14-2 overall and 6-2 in conference action.  

"We showed a lot of composure after that first set. We executed really well offensively, and our ability to adjust defensively made a huge difference. I'm proud of our guys' resilience and the total team effort we put forward today that got us through some tough stretches," said head coach Shane Davis.  

How It Happened 
Set One: The opening set was tightly contested with 10 tied scores and two lead changes. Loyola was off to a strong start and kept Ball State within range on efficient attacking. Fabikovic and Howard led the offensive charge, but the Cardinals gained momentum midway through the frame with their strong serving and presence at the net, which proved to be the difference. A late push from Ball State, fueled by Patrick Rogers, edged out Loyola, 25-22, to take the first set. 

Set Two: Loyola responded in the second set, improving its side-out game and stepping up defensively. The tandem of Fabikovic and Howard guided the Ramblers offense, combining for 11 kills. Ball State faltered in its attack, but stayed strong at the net, stuffing Loyola's attack attempts seven times throughout the frame. A late-set kill from Howard secured the set, 25-22 and leveled the match one set all.  

Set Three: Another close set saw Loyola maintain its offensive momentum and find more success at the net. Ryan McElligott orchestrated the attack with 14 assists in the frame, spreading the offense between Fabikovic, Howard, and Jake Read. Ball State struggled with eight attack errors, allowing Loyola to capitalize and take the set, 25-22.  

Set Four: In the fourth and final frame, Loyola did not let up, hitting .464 while holding Ball State to just .167. The Ramblers offense, instrumented by McElligott's 13 assists, allowed key kills from Fabikovic, Howard and Read. Loyola's defense and improved blocking was pivotal, allowing the Ramblers to storm back and clinch the match with a 25-20 fourth set victory.     

Inside the Box Score

• Howard notched a career-high 15 kills on .440 hitting and added two assists, two block assists and one service ace. 
• Fabikovic had the match-high 19 kills on .378 hitting, while also contributing six digs, one assist and one block assist. His sophomore counterpart Read finished with 10 kills on .350 hitting and added seven digs and two block assists. 
• McElligott recorded 51 assists while contributing five digs, three kills and two block assists.  
• Defensively, Bell led the charge with four block assists and also added seven kills.  
• The match featured 30 total tied scores and 10 lead changes throughout the four sets.  

Up Next 
The Ramblers stay on the road for another Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) matchup at Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m. CT.