On September 18, Loyola Academy girls’ volleyball took down number 1 Mother McAuley. It had been 27 years since the Ramblers last beat them at home. With seniors Alexa Campbell, Brea Payne, Eva Madigan and Lainey Ryczek as captains, the team looks strong this season. This was a very important game for the Ramblers as it set the standard for the rest of their season. McAuley hadn’t lost a single set until they faced the Ramblers that night. 

The first set the ramblers took 25-10, but it wasn’t until the second that the Ramblers hit their stride. With the Mighty Macs taking the first point in the set, the Ramblers come back with a quick kill from Karolina Mordasiewicz. Great selfless plays like Kara Yau saving the ball with one hand off a block touch embody the team’s playing mentality. As both teams fought for the lead, Loyola made amazing blocks and tons of aces, putting the Ramblers up 13-7.

Keeping their steady lead, Brea Payne assisted Kaelyn Pasma with the kill, making it 18-7. Then, Junior Lauren A’Hearn stepped up with a kill. The Mighty Mac couldn’t get anything going against the Ramblers. Alexa Campbell’s countless digs kept them from turning the tide. Next, Alexa Campbell’s ace put the Ramblers up 22-10.

With the Ramblers holding strong, Brea puts the nail in McAuley’s coffin with a kill to finish the game 25-10. Throughout the game, the Ramblers looked strong and communicated often, demonstrating their on-court chemistry. This is a team to definitely look out for in the rest of the season!