NEWS

CHICAGO – The Davidson volleyball team defeated Loyola Chicago in four sets from inside Gentile Arena on Friday night, for the Wildcats’ first win over the Ramblers in program history. 

The ‘Cats opened up Atlantic 10 play with the 3-1 win over Loyola and are now just one of two teams, alongside Dayton, to ever defeat the Ramblers since they joined the A-10. 

Isabel Decker led the Wildcats with her seventh consecutive double-double, and ninth of the season, with 19 kills and 11 digs. Anna Withee (10) and Emma Slusser (11) also aided the Wildcats’ attack, while Jordan Hummel tallied 19 digs and three service aces. 

Despite taking an early 2-0 match lead, the Wildcats fell behind 19-14 in the third, before Slusser and Meile Songaila provided kills to bring Davidson back within one of Loyola, 19-18. After using their final timeout of the frame, the Ramblers rallied to a 25-21 victory and teed up the Wildcats’ final comeback of the night. 

Loyola jumped out to an impressive 17-7 lead in the fourth and final set, before freshman setter Kinsey Smith served eight-straight points, including two aces, and led the ‘Cats on a 9-0 run. With a Songaila kill, and three sideouts from Decker kills, the Wildcats managed to cap off the resurgence and defeat the Ramblers 3-1 for the match victory. 

In all, the ‘Cats served seven aces and recorded eight total blocks while swinging .179 as a team. Xuan Nguyen (23) and Smith (21) dished a combined 44 assists on 54 Wildcat kills.

Up Next
The ‘Cats and Ramblers will meet again on Saturday, Sept. 28 for a 3 p.m. ET matchup from inside Gentile Arena.