Loyola Blocked Their Way to Victory over Princeton

The Loyola men’s volleyball team was welcomed back to Gentile Arena to compete against Princeton University Monday, Mar. 12. Despite four competitive sets, Loyola claimed the victory 3-1. 

Points were exchanged between the two teams to start the first set until the score was tied at seven. Loyola’s first-year outside hitters Jake Read and Daniel Fabikovic and redshirt third-year outside hitter Parker Van Buren struck Princeton with kills while a tip by fourth-year middle blocker Jimmy Meinhart spurred an 8-2 run, leaving Princeton trailing 15-9.

Following a timeout, the Tigers attempted to chip away at Loyola’s lead, but the Ramblers continued to excel at the net and behind the service line. Third-year middle blocker Nicodemus Meyer recorded a kill, and two consecutive Van Buren aces put the Ramblers ahead 18-10. 

Princeton’s outside and right-side hitters fourth-year Ben Harrington and third-year Nyherowo Omene attempted to disrupt Loyola’s offensive rhythm with powerful kills. Loyola fought through the extensive rallies to close the first set 25-18.

The beginning of the second set was reminiscent of the first as the teams both found early offensive success. Unlike set one, the Tigers slowly separated themselves from the Ramblers and forced Loyola into a timeout, down 5-3. 

The Ramblers attempted to regain pace following the timeout, but Omene welcomed them back to the court with another kill to add to his 14 on the night. Following Omene’s successful attack both teams struggled with service and attack errors. 

Loyola remained within four of the Tigers as Meyer recorded another kill and the Meinhart-Van Buren duo defended powerfully at the net. After an unsuccessful attack by Harrington, Van Buren continued to guide the Ramblers with two consecutive kills that landed in the court’s back corner.

Both teams continued to find gaps in their opponent’s offense, however a swift save by first-year opposite hitter Lukas Anderson aided the Ramblers in finding their way back into contention, tying the set at 20. 

Another four kills by the Tigers allowed them to claim the match 25-22 despite intense kills by Van Buren and Fabikovic.

Princeton continued their offensive intensity with kills from Princeton’s fourth-year middle blocker Gavin Leising, first-year middle blocker Tristan Whitfield and Harrington to go up to start the third set. Redshirt third-year setter Dan Mangun extended beyond his setting role with an explosive kill and block alongside Meyer to bring Loyola within two points. 

Kills by Van Buren, Meinhart and Read tied the set at 10.  Leising was able to stop a Loyola scoring streak with a kill that bypassed an attempted triple block by the Ramblers. 

Additional kills by Meyer and Read extended the Ramblers’ lead, and a service ace by Fabikovic left Princeton staring down a 18-13 deficit. 

The Ramblers closed out the set with a long focused rally ending with an intimidating block by Fabikovic and Meinhart.

Loyola found themselves closely behind Princeton at the start of the fourth set, as the Tigers picked up a quick 7-4 lead. 

Omene disrupted another stretch of Loyola points with two consecutive kills before the Ramblers responded immediately with another Van Buren kill and an impressive save by Fabikovic. 

Fabikovic showcased his determination on the court by jumping into the stands to save Loyola’s possession. 

Mangun continued to fight the battle at the net and tied the game at 20. Loyola claimed three points after extensive rallies with blocks credited to Mangun and Meyer. 

Three kills from Van Buren and Fabikovic allowed the Ramblers to claim victory in their final non-conference matchup of the season, winning the final set 25-21.

Following Loyla’s 3-1 victory over Princeton, Loyola head coach John Hawks said the team is ready for their next matchup against Quincy University and noted Quincy’s unique approach to the game.

“They are great, we respect them,” Hawks said. “It’s all Quincy we just got to get the next couple days of practice and be smooth on them. We’re going to be focused and dialed in.”

The Ramblers will next face a stretch of MIVA competition over the next three weeks before the MIVA tournament begins Saturday, April 13. The team will compete in Rogers Park for their next two matchups against Quincy University Thursday, March 14. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game can be streamed on ESPN+.

Featured image by Megan Dunn | The Phoenix