CHICAGO -- No. 8 Loyola Chicago totaled 11 blocks and 12 service aces en route to a two-match series sweep of Queens, defeating the conference foe in a 3-0 on Saturday, March 14 inside Gentile Arena.
The Ramblers improved to 13-5 overall and 7-2 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) play.
Junior outside Daniel Fabikovic led Loyola's attack with 12 kills on .571 hitting, while contributing a season-high seven blocks. The Ramblers' defense also got a match-high 10 digs out of senior libero JJ Sowa and five rejections from junior middle Aidan Klein.
Coach Quote: Shane Davis
"We corrected exactly what we needed to from last night, showing it at the service line and at the net. Fabi [Daniel Fabikovic] and Aidan [Klein] were great tonight, and I'm proud of the way our guys rallied this weekend. We're ready to take this show on the road next week."
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Ramblers won the first point and never looked back, taking the opening set in a decisive 25-13 win. Loyola led by as many as 13 points before finishing the set with 13 kills and five blocks. Senior setter Ryan McElligott boosted the offense with three aces.
SET 2 | Loyola stormed into the second set, taking the frame 25-11 to jump to a 2-0 lead. The Ramblers grabbed control of the set early at 3-2, holding the lead the rest of the way. Graduate student Josh Schellinger and Klein each added two aces in the set.
SET 3 | Loyola completed the sweep with a 25-17 third-set win, again leading from the first point and taking the advantage to the end. Fabikovic clinched the match with his 12th kill of the night.
Inside the Box Score
- McElligott had the match-high four aces and 32 assists.
- Fabikovic's match-high seven blocks matched his career high.
- Loyola's 11 blocks is a team season-high in three-set matches.
- The Ramblers marked their second match this year with 12 service aces.
Up Next
Loyola hits the road to No. 16 Ohio State on Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m. before a meeting at Northern Kentucky on Saturday, March 21 at 3 p.m.
