ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – No. 6 Loyola Chicago (21-3, 12-3 MIVA) couldn't find its rhythm on Thursday night, falling in straight sets to No. 14 Lewis on the road.
"We had stretches where we executed well, especially in the third, but our blocking and defense weren't where they needed to be against a team like Lewis," said head coach Shane Davis. "They're a tough team all around and especially at home, and we didn't capitalize on the moments that mattered. We know what we need to focus on and correct heading into the last regular season match."
How It Happened
Set One: Lewis came out firing on their home court, hitting .762 in the opening set with 16 kills on just 21 swings. Early in the set it was point-for-point with Parker Van Buren, Daniel Fabikovic and Jake Read recording key kills before the Flyers went on a run and found themselves up 19-13. After a timeout, the Ramblers managed to close the gap, 24-17 and hold off two set points before eventually falling 25-19 in the first.
Set Two: Loyola responded with a more balanced attack in the second set which was a back-and-forth battle that saw 12 tied scores. Van Buren and Fabikovic combined for nine kills in the frame and the Ramblers found their first lead of the match at 8-7. Service and attack miscues by Loyola put Lewis back ahead, but the Ramblers stayed within reach throughout. An ace from Van Buren tied the set at 22 all, two consecutive errors gave the Flyers set point and they took the second frame 25-23 for a 2-0 lead.
Set Three: The third and final set was another thriller, featuring 13 tied scores. Loyola stormed onto the court with renewed energy, riding Aidan Klein's quick impact and strong setting from Ryan McElligott for an early 5-2 lead. The Ramblers recorded their first block of the night thanks to Read and Klein to tie the set at 10-10. 10 points later, McElligott and Klein made another block to knot the score again at 19-19. Loyola staved off five match points before Lewis closed the door, 30-28.
Inside the Box Score
- Van Buren had the match-high 16 kills on .379 hitting while adding two digs and an ace.
- McElligott made 39 assists and recorded the match-high 11 digs.
- Fabikovic tallied 12 kills on 18 swings for his career best .611 hitting.
- In just one set, Klein recorded four kills on perfect hitting and had the team-high two block assists.
Up Next
The Ramblers wrap up the regular season at home against No. 17 Ball State on Saturday, April 12 at 5 p.m. In addition to it being senior night, Loyola will induct the 2014 and 2015 National Championship teams to the Hall of Fame prior to the first serve.
