No. 2 Loyola Chicago is set to face No. 7 Purdue Fort Wayne in the MIVA Tournament quarterfinals on April 18 at 6 p.m. The Ramblers currently rank 10th in the AVCA poll and are strong contenders with five players receiving All-MIVA accolades. Loyola's performance has been bolstered by standout players like Aidan Klein, who leads the MIVA in hitting percentage, and a solid team dynamic resulting in impressive season statistics. The previous encounters between these two teams this season saw them split wins.

By the Numbers
  • Loyola Chicago ranks 2nd in MIVA with a hitting percentage of .323.
  • Senior Aidan Klein averages 1.04 blocks per set, leading the team.
  • Purdue Fort Wayne has a record of 12-11, finishing the season with a 7-9 league record.
State of Play
  • The Ramblers are coming off a win against Purdue Fort Wayne with Bryce Robbins contributing 12 kills.
  • Purdue Fort Wayne's only All-MIVA selection this season is Logan Muir, who ranks 2nd in kills/set with 3.62.
What's Next

The winner of this match will advance to the MIVA semifinals, setting the stage for potential rematches against tougher opponents. As Loyola aims to reclaim their tournament reputation, any misstep could lead to another upset similar to last year's semifinals.

Bottom Line

As Loyola faces Purdue Fort Wayne, their recent form and team stats suggest they're favored to win, but they must remain vigilant. Past upsets highlight that every match is critical, making this quarterfinal not just a playoff game, but a pivotal moment for proving their championship potential.