CHICAGO -- Loyola Chicago fell in another five-set battle, this time on the road to Red Line rivals DePaul on Friday, Sept. 18. The Ramblers are now 3-7 overall heading into conference play next week.
Sophomore Leyna Nguyen led Loyola with her third double-double of the season, registering 21 kills and 14 digs on the day. Senior middle Avary DeBlieck also got in on the action with 13 kills to help the attack. On the defensive end, junior libero Sam Falk chipped in for 16 digs to go with a season-high eight blocks from DeBlieck.
Coach Quote: Amanda Berkley
"I'm disappointed with today's lost, we have to be more disciplined and push harder in practice to execute better. We had a really tough nonconference schedule, and we'll apply what we've learned and translate that into some wins."
How It Happened
SET 1 | In an opening set that saw many long rallies, setting the tone for the remainder of the match, DePaul grabbed the first point and took it all the way to win 25-23.
SET 2 | Loyola fought back in the second set, taking it over 25-20. The Ramblers scored first and never trailed in the set, opening up an eight point lead at one point. Nguyen and sophomore Katie Scherer led the attack with four kills apiece, helping out Loyola's overall .417 hitting clip in the second set.
SET 3 | The Ramblers held on to take the third set 25-19, once again leading from the opening point on. The tandem of Nguyen and Scherer totaled eight of the 11 kills in the set.
SET 4 | DePaul forced a fifth set with a 25-19 victory in frame four, which saw five tied scores and two lead changes. Loyola's attack could not get past a strong DePaul net presence.
SET 5 | Despite putting together a .333 attack percentage in the deciding set, the Ramblers ultimately fell 15-13 to their crosstown rivals.
Inside the Box Score
- DeBlieck and Scherer joined Nguyen in double figure kills with 13 and 12, respectively.
- Nguyen's 21 kills were the match high. She also had the team-best two aces.
- Sophomore Mya Ball recorded her third match this season with at least 50 assists.
Up Next
The Ramblers ready for Atlantic 10 play as they host the VCU Rams in a two-match series next weekend.
