ST. CHARLES, Mo. – No. 7 Loyola Chicago opened conference play with a tightly contested 3-1 road loss at No. 18 Lindenwood (26-24, 20-25, 26-28, 23-25) on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Alex Smits Van Oyen facilitated the offense with 45 assists and Aidan Klein led the blocking effort with three stuffs at the net. 

Coach Quote: Shane Davis
"We did some things well at times, but not consistent enough to beat a team like Lindenwood. They executed much better than us after 20 points tonight, they were the aggressor in crunch time moments."

How It Happened 
SET 1 | Loyola opened the match on a 4-0 run, but it didn't last long as Lindenwood stayed within reach throughout. With the score tied late, the Ramblers executed down the stretch, capitalizing on a Lions' attack error to take the set 26-24.

SET 2 | Lindenwood responded in the second, using a strong service runs to build separation midway through the set. The Ramblers closed the gaps to stay within striking distance but the host team maintained control with efficient offense and closed out the frame 25-20.

SET 3 | The third set was the turning point in the match. There were nine tied scores throughout as the teams traded long rallies and momentum swings. Loyola let up its 20-14 lead before fighting off multiple set points and briefly grabbed a late edge, but Lindenwood answered with back-to-back to win the third in extra points, 28-26. 

SET 4 | In the final stanza, the Ramblers stayed within striking distance behind steady sideout play, but mistakes at the service line cost them multipe points. Despite outhitting Lindenwood, Loyola fell 25-23 after chipping away at the Lions' 16-11 lead midway through the set. 

Inside the Box Score

• Klein recorded 10 kills on .667; it's his second straight match with double-digit kills. 
• Josh Schellinger had a season-high seven digs. 

Up Next
The Ramblers stay on the road to face the No. 13 McKendree Bearcats on Friday, Feb. 6 in Lebanon, Ill.