CHICAGO, IL – The Missouri S&T Miners faced their toughest challenge yet in their fifth match of the season, traveling to Chicago to take on the eighth-ranked Loyola University Chicago Ramblers. Despite their best efforts, the Miners fell short, losing in straight sets as the Ramblers' defense proved impenetrable, never allowing S&T to score more than two consecutive points throughout the match.
Set 1
The opening set saw a back-and-forth start, with the Miners taking a few early leads. However, a decisive 6-1 run by Loyola Chicago turned the tide, giving the Ramblers a five-point advantage. While S&T managed to cut the lead to four points twice, Loyola Chicago ended the set with a dominant 9-3 run, securing a 25-15 victory and leaving little room for a Miner comeback.
Set 2
Much like the first set, the second began with competitive exchanges. A 6-1 Ramblers run placed them ahead 13-8. This time, the Miners responded with by claiming four of the next five points to cut the deficit to just two. However, Loyola Chicago regrouped and finished the set strong, using another 6-1 surge to close it out 25-18.
Set 3
The final set mirrored the earlier frames, with both teams battling point for point early on. Neither side led by more than one until a pair of kills by the Ramblers gave them a 14-12 edge. Building on that momentum, Loyola Chicago gradually pulled ahead, finishing the set with a 3-0 run to secure a 25-21 win and seal the match.
Notable Performances
- Nate Meyer (Arlington Heights, Ill./Hersey): Led the team in both kills and blocks with 8 and 12, respectively.
- Aaron Sallade (Palatine, Ill./William Fremd): Recorded S&T's lone ace of the contest along with 7 kills and 7 digs.
What's Next?
The Miners face the #13 Lewis Flyers tomorrow night at 7pm.
Follow Miners Men's Volleyball on X and Instagram at miners_mvb
