Loyola Chicago lost to George Washington in five sets on Friday, Nov. 13.
The defeat in Washington, D.C., leaves the Ramblers with a 14-13 overall record and an 11-6 mark in Atlantic 10 play, according to Loyola University Chicago Athletics.
Despite a dominant start that saw the Ramblers take control early, the team struggled with consistency as the match progressed. Sophomore outside hitter Leyna Nguyen recorded 18 kills and 13 digs to secure her 10th double-double of the season.
“I’m disappointed in today’s showing,” said Amanda Berkley, Loyola coach, to Loyola University Chicago Athletics. “We played well in the beginning, but started to give up midway through. It’s too far in the season to be giving up matches like this. Tomorrow we will look to bounce back and stay locked in from the very first point.”
Loyola began the match with high intensity, claiming the first set 25-16. The Ramblers established a nine-point lead during that frame and utilized four aces to maintain pressure, with three of those coming from setter Mya Ball.
The momentum swung in the second set as the Loyola attack struggled, hitting .226 to allow George Washington to take the set 25-20. Senior middle Avary DeBlieck anchored the defense during that period, contributing three kills on .500 hitting and a solo block.
Loyola reclaimed the lead in the third set with a 25-19 win, at one point building a 14-5 advantage. The team was particularly effective at the service line and at the net, outblocking George Washington 4-1 during the set.
The host team responded with a decisive 25-13 victory in the fourth set, forcing the match into a fifth. Loyola’s offensive production plummeted in that frame, where the team hit -.033 and recorded only one total block.
The match was characterized by high-stakes service pressure and defensive volatility, marking the 11th five-set match for the Ramblers this season.
| Player/Team Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Leyna Nguyen (Kills/Digs) | 18 / 13 |
| Mya Ball (Aces) | 6 |
| Avary DeBlieck (Blocks) | 6 |
| Loyola Team Total Aces | 12 |
In the final set, George Washington overcame a 12-8 Loyola lead to win 15-12. The Ramblers’ attempt to close out the match was hampered by three consecutive attack errors in the closing plays.
The loss comes at a critical juncture for the program as they approach the regular-season finale. The Ramblers are scheduled to rematch the Revolutionaries on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 12 p.m. CT.
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