HONOLULU, Hawaii – Loyola Chicago opened the 2026 season with a 3-0 setback at No. 2 Hawaiʻi on Thursday, Jan. 8. In front of 5,800 fans at the Stan Sheriff Center, the Rainbow Warriors claimed the match in straight sets (25-18, 25-19 and 25-15). 

Daniel Fabikovic led the Ramblers offensively with 11 kills on .333 hitting, while Ryan McElligott directed the offense with 26 assists. Loyola recorded nine total team blocks in the match, with Bryce Robbins and Aidan Klein contributing multiple stuffs at the net.

Coach Quote: Shane Davis
"Opening on the road against a team like Hawaiʻi is a great measuring stick for us. We showed flashes of what we're capable of, especially early in sets but our consistency and execution have to greatly improve. We've got some new pieces, but we've got to learn to play better together and execute things at a high level. Lots of things to improve on as we prepare for tomorrow's match."

How It Happened
Set One | Loyola dropped the first set 25-18 despite a decent showing on the attacking end, putting together a .313 hitting clip with nine kills in the set loss. Kills from Fabikovic and Aleksandar Sosa helped keep the score tight through the midway point until Hawai'i closed the frame on a 9-2 stretch, powered by strong serving and efficient attacking. 

Set Two | The Rainbow Warriors jumped out to an early advantage in set two, capitalizing on a trio of service aces during a decisive run. Loyola responded with improved blocking, led by Robbins and Brad Bell, and kills from Fabikovic and Klein to trim the deficit to three late in the set, but Hawai'i maintained control and took the set 25-19. 

Set Three | Loyola showed fight early in the third, trading points and staying close through the first half. Hawai'i's serving pressure was pivotal as the home team rattled off a late run to widen the gap and secure the final frame 25-15. The Rainbow Warriors finished the match hitting .211 in the final set, while the Ramblers were limited to a .000 attack percentage.

Inside the Box Score

• Robbins set a career high three block assists and one solo, and Klein also set a career high four block assists. 
• Sosa recorded nine kills in his Loyola debut and added two block assists and one dig.
• Rookie Ayden DesLauriers made his collegiate debut and made three serves for a perfect service percentage. 

Up Next
The Ramblers and Rainbow Warriors rematch tomorrow night, Friday, Jan. 9 at 11 p.m. CT.