The Loyola Ramblers secured a spot in the Atlantic 10 Championship after winning two crucial games on May 8. They defeated #5 Saint Joseph's 6-2 and made a stunning comeback against #3 Dayton, winning 8-7 with a walk-off home run by Kayci Rigby. Anna Kiel, a standout pitcher and A-10 Rookie of the Year, was pivotal, earning victories in both games with strong performances. The Ramblers will face Fordham in the championship game, needing to win the first game to set up a decisive second match.

By the Numbers
  • Loyola Chicago out-hit Saint Joseph's 7-4, and achieved a .444 average with runners in scoring position.
  • Kayci Rigby's home run against Dayton was her first career home run, and the Ramblers drew 11 walks in the game.
State of Play
  • The Ramblers will face Fordham in the championship matchup on Saturday, May 9, with the first game crucial for forcing a second game.
  • Loyola Chicago is looking to capitalize on their recent momentum after a thrilling comeback against Dayton.
What's Next

The Ramblers aim to clinch the first game against Fordham to create a winner-take-all scenario later in the day. A championship win would secure them the title for the first time since 2023.

Bottom Line

Loyola Chicago's recent performances highlight their resilience and potential, setting the stage for an exciting championship showdown. Key players like Kiel and Rigby will be critical in determining the outcome against a formidable Fordham team.