April 12, 2008

Box Score

CHICAGO - Five different Ramblers scored in double-figure kills as Loyola topped Saint Francis (Pa.), 3-2 (27-30, 30-23, 30-23, 25-30, 15-13) to close out the regular-season tonight at Alumni Gym. The Ramblers snap a two-match losing skid and improve to 16-13 on the season, while the Red Flash fall to 12-14 on the year.

After battling early, the Red Flash took a comfortable 15-7 lead on an Eric Syty service ace forcing a Loyola timeout. The Ramblers fought back closing the lead to one (26-25), but were unable to go ahead. Saint Francis knocked down three consecutive points and put the game away, 30-27.

Loyola came out determined in the second game as the Ramblers held their opponent to a meager .028 hitting percentage. A kill by Nick Lamoureux gave Loyola its largest lead of the game (18-13), prompting a Red Flash timeout. Up 26-23, the Ramblers took advantage of a trio of Red Flash errors and used a Joe Guntli service ace and kill to close out game two, 30-23.

Saint Francis led early in game three, but the relentless Ramblers rallied from behind and knotted the game at 16-apiece. The two teams matched each other point-for-point and found themselves deadlocked again (20-20). Back-to-back kills by Ian Anderson and Kris Berzins sparked a Rambler rally that would give the hosts a three-point lead (26-23). A trio of kills by Berzins, Guntli and Michael Morice would give Loyola a 30-23 victory.

The Ramblers took a quick 5-1 advantage on a kill by Lamoureux, but the Red Flash would not go quietly. With the score knotted at 16-16, Saint Francis went on an 8-4 run and eventually took the fourth game by a score of 30-25 forcing a fifth and deciding game.

Loyola was first to strike in game five, as the Ramblers took a 5-3 lead on an error by Saint Francis. The Red Flash fought back and evened the score at 6-all, but back-to-back kills by Berzins gave the Ramblers a two-point lead (8-6). The two teams traded points until a Lamoureux kill broke the 13-13 tie, pushing the game to match-point. The Ramblers held on to win the game, 15-13, closing the regular-season on a high note.

Berzins led the Ramblers as he recorded his fourth double-double of the season (19 kills, 13 digs). Mike Hutz's 59 assists and 11 digs gave him his team-leading seventh double-double of the year. Lamoureux (18 kills), Guntli (16 kills), Anderson (13 kills) and Morice (12 kills) all scored in double-figure kills for the Ramblers.

Jordan Varee registered a match-high 23 kills for Saint Francis.

The Ramblers kick off MIVA Tournament action when they host IPFW on Friday, April 18 at Alumni Gym. First serve is set for 7 p.m.