» Saint Francis University men's volleyball fell to the Ramblers of Loyola University Chicago in straight sets on Friday.
» Peyton Blain (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) made his first start of his career in his position of libero.
» Trevor Lewis (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) and Joshua Blair (Matterson, Ill./ Marian Catholic) came back to their home state to lead thier squad in kills with eight and seven, respectfully.
» Blake Liprando (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) put up one service ace on the day for the Red Flash men's volleyball program.
TURNING POINTS OF THE GAME
The Ramblers controlled the start of the first set. However, the Red Flash became fierce competitors after Coach Rumbaugh called a timeout once Loyola took its biggest lead of the game to make the score 19-12. After getting out of the huddle, Saint Francis went on a 5-0 run to put the Red Flash back within two for a score of 19-17. However, the Ramblers were able to bounce back and claim the first set, 25-20. This fueled the Loyola squad to be able to go on and clinch the next two sets to claim the three-set victory over the Red Flash.
FLASH MOMENTS
After an attack error from Loyola, the Red Flash were able to claim its first lead of the game early in the second set to make the score 2-1. Both programs continued to battle back and forth in this set with each taking the lead on several occasions early on. The Red Flash claimed its biggest lead of the game in this set with a two-point lead over the Ramblers to make the score 5-3. However, the Ramblers were able to maintain control throughout the majority of the second set to claim the set, 25-17 to make them one set away from winning the game.
Saint Francis was able to get on the board first in the third set, but the Ramblers responded by going on a 3-0 run to make the score 5-2. However, the Red Flash could not be stopped that easily. After a kill from Blair and Deardorff, followed by a service ace from Liprando, the Red Flash were able to tie the set at 9-9. Both programs continue to tie several times throughout this set. With the set tied, 20-20 the Ramblers were able to go on a 5-1 run to claim the third and final set, 25-21.
FLASH NUGGETS
The Red Flash are 2-14 overall against Loyola University Chicago.
The last time the Ramblers and Red Flash faced won another was in Loretto on Jan. 30, 2021. Loyola won in a five-set matchup.
The last time Saint Francis University men's volleyball competed at the home of the Ramblers was in 2018, the Red Flash lost the battle in straight sets.
UP NEXT
The Red Flash will stay in Illinois to face Lewis University for a Saturday evening match at 6 p.m. central time.
