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.
Junior libero Sam Falk anchored Loyola all night with her season-high 32 digs at Duquesne and senior 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.
