PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Loyola Chicago battled Duquesne in a five-set thriller on Friday, Oct. 9, securing the victory 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 16-25, 15-9. The Ramblers leveled to 8-8 overall and 5-1 in Atlantic 10 play.
Senior libero Sam Falk anchored Loyola all night with her season-high 32 digs at Duquesne. Her senior counterpart, middle blocker Avary DeBlieck led at the net with five blocks. Offensively, sophomore outside hitter Leyna Nguyen led Loyola with her fifth double-double of the season, registering 18 kills and 12 digs. Junior Katie Scherer recorded 15 kills on .324 hitting to help the attack.
Coach Quote: Amanda Berkley
"Sam [Falk] proved to be the difference maker today, digging 32 balls and adding some points from the service line. Duquesne has some really great hitters, so we'll have to adjust a little better and quicker tomorrow. Overall, I'm really proud of how our team battled all night."
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Ramblers persevered in a back-and-forth opening set, which saw nine lead changes, taking it 25-22. Nguyen led the way with six kills on .333 hitting and supplemented the offense with two aces.
SET 2 | The Dukes responded in set two with a 26-24 victory. In a set that was tied six times, Duquesne prevailed behind perfect serving and capitalizing on Loyola's offensive missteps.
SET 3 | Loyola took the lead once again in set three, coming out on top of a tight battle, 26-24 and putting themselves on the cusp of victory. The Ramblers racked up 17 kills, Scherer with the set-best five while hitting above .400.
SET 4 | The Ramblers couldn't finish off a four-set win as the Dukes forced a fifth set with a decisive 25-16 victory. Loyola's attack could not find its footing, hitting negative in the set.
SET 5 | Loyola and Duquesne traded set wins all night before the Ramblers came out victorius, 15-9 in the final set. The Ramblers' defense stifled 3.5 attempts from the Dukes to push past their conference foes.
Inside the Box Score
- DeBlieck joined Nguyen and Scherer in double figure kills with 10.
- Falk surpassed 1,000 career digs after tonight's match.
- Nguyen also had a season-high three aces.
- The Ramblers recorded a season-best 11 team aces.
Up Next
The Ramblers rematch the Dukes tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m.
