The short story: Senior Julia Rienks recorded 10 kills for VCU, but it wasn't enough for the Rams to hold off Loyola Chicago Friday night at the Siegel Center.
 
OPENING VOLLEY

• Rienks, who hit .292 in the contest, also supplied two blocks and four digs for the Black and Gold
• Junior middle Nina Boledovicova chipped in seven kills and three blocks for the Rams, while sophomore middle Letizia Galli hit .364 with five kills on 11 swings
• Graduate libero Haruka Sugimoto was active on the back row with 17 digs for VCU
• Ann Marie Remmes led all players with 11 kills and three solo blocks for the Ramblers

THE DIFFERENCE

• VCU was unable to get much traction offensively in the match, hitting .145, including a combined .098 in the final two sets
• Loyola Chicago also capitalized on 10 service aces and a 54-44 advantage in digs
• The Rams led the opening set 13-10, but back-to-back kills by Kaitlyn Burke and Remmes sparked a 9-2 Loyola burst. The Ramblers never looked back, and did not trail again in the match

NEXT UP
VCU and Loyola Chicago will square off again on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. at the Siegel Center. That match will stream live on ESPN+.