NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Loyola Chicago battled in a tough loss to Stephen F. Austin, falling after four sets. Sophomore outside Leyna Nguyen led the Ramblers with a double-double, racking up 11 kills and 14 digs in the loss. Junior middle blocker Mallory Bohl added 13 kills to help the attack while sophomore setter Mya Ball dished out 48 assists.
On the defensive end, junior libero Sam Falk pitched in 15 digs to go with three blocks from Bohl. Senior middle Avary DeBlieck and sophomore right side Katie Scherer also had three blocks each.
Coach Quote: Amanda Berkley
"SFA is an extremely well coached team and their pins found a way to score using a lot of different shots. They did a great job of mixing up their shots and keeping the ball in play."
How It Happened
SET 1 | It was a thrilling opening set where neither side led for more than three points, but ultimately the Ramblers couldn't hang on in the back-and-forth set, losing in extra points 26-28.
SET 2 | After dropping the first set, Loyola fought back to even the score, taking the second set 25-21. The Ramblers grabbed the lead for good midway through the stanza and the offense got a boost from four aces in the frame.
SET 3 | The host team went up 2-1 after defeating the Ramblers in the third frame. Loyola clawed back from a seven-point deficit but SFA hung on to win it 25-22.
SET 4 | The Ramblers wobbled again, finding themselves trailing by as many as seven points. Loyola wasn't able to recover as SFA finished the match, 25-18.
Inside the Box Score
- Nguyen recorded her second double-double of the season (11 kills, 14 digs).
- Ball recorded the match-high five aces and 48 assists.
- Falk had a season-high 15 digs; Jae Fitting and Ball also hit double-digit digs with 11 apiece.
Up Next
Loyola closes out the tournament against Cal tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. CT. The Ramblers return to Gentile Arrena next weekend for their home invitational.
