ST. LOUIS – The Billikens dropped the first of their matchups against the Ramblers, Tuesday night, falling to the reigning Atlantic 10 champions, 3-0.
 
The Ramblers out swung the Billikens .224 to .104 and recorded 10 blocks and 44 kills to the home team's four blocks and 31 kills. The loss moves SLU to 9-8 on the year and 2-3 in conference play.
 
Loyola struck first in the Tuesday night matchup, recording the first two points of the night to take the early lead. SLU found an answer, though, as Jillian Mattingly came up big with a huge kill to make the score 4-3 in favor of the visiting team. The teams traded points until four straight attack errors by the Ramblers tied the match up at seven apiece, prompting a Loyola timeout. The remainder of the set was marked by 10 ties and four lead changes before the Ramblers took the first set, 25-22.
 
Set two followed suit and was marked by momentum-shifting runs. Midway through the Billikens held a 14-10 advantage, but the Ramblers swung .343 in set two while recording 17 kills to dig themselves out of the deficit and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
 
The Ramblers got off to a quick start in the third set and after two early lead changes, went on a 6-0 run to go up 15-6. The Billikens wouldn't go down easy, though, and answered with four straight points of their own to bring the score within six. From there, it was all Loyola as the Ramblers won the race to 25 to take the match and earn their fifth win of the season and third A-10 match.
 
Kayla Richardson let the Billikens' attack with nine kills, while Josie Newcom and Jillian Mattingly added seven apiece, while the senior swung for .467.
 
Surpassing 300 digs on the season, Carlie Rodgers recorded 18 digs through the match while Kate Aupperle tallied 18 assists.
 
The Billikens will be back in action when they travel to Duquesne over the weekend with the first match beginning at 5 p.m. Friday. The series will conclude Saturday at 1 p.m.
 
Match Results
Saint Louis 0, Loyola Chicago 3 (22-25, 22-25, 17-25)
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023 | St. Louis, Mo. (Chaifetz Pavilion)