Oct. 22, 2010
Box Score
Box Score in PDF Format 
CHICAGO - In a classic match-up between two teams that are separated by mere miles, the UIC volleyball team outlasted the Loyola Ramblers on Friday night in Rogers Park, 3-2 (19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 18-25, 12-15).
The Flames (11-12, 6-5 Horizon League) got off to a fast start at the Alumni Gym, building a very early 5-0 advantage in the opening game. UIC kept its foot on the pedal and continued to put pressure on the home team, winning the opener, 25-19.
The second set featured an identical score to the first, but this time it was Loyola (9-13, 2-9 Horizon League) that came out on top to tie the match at one.
The sloppy play for the Flames continued into the third set, but UIC was able to push the Ramblers to the limit before ultimately falling, 26-24. The two teams traded tallies for a long stretch in the game, but ultimately, UIC posted its lowest attacking percentage of the contest at .186 (15-7-43) to drop the set.
In the fourth set, the Flames bounced back to post the highest mark of the match by either squad at .565 (14-1-23). UIC committed a lone error in the third and the efficiency paid off as the visitors were able to come back to square things at two and force a decisive fifth set.
UIC and Loyola continued to battle one another tit-for-tat throughout the final frame. Trailing, 9-8, Loyola committed three straight errors and handed the Flames a three-point lead that they would not relinquish. UIC had three chances at set point and led by just two when sophomore Kelsey Safranek hammered home her career-high 24th kill of the match to seal the win for the Flames.
"It's always exciting to play Loyola in their gym," said UIC head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley. "It was a great atmosphere tonight and an exciting place to be. We continued to play well together as a team and we're thrilled to come out of here with a great team win."
Not only were 24 kills a career-best for Safranek, but so too were her match-high 50 attempts.
"Kelsey took some big swings for us tonight," said Schumacher-Cawley. "She really turned it on at the end and helped us finish off the match."
Safranek was not the only one who posted a record night for the Flames. Junior Kate Eldred had her first career double-double with a personal-best 13 kills to go along with 10 digs. The Greenwood, Ind. native also posted a career-best attacking percentage of .367 (13-2-30).
Taylor Szatkowski led all players with 18 digs in the match, while Jessica Dalke posted a match-high 55 assists in the win.
"We had contributions from everyone tonight and that's what happens when we're working together," said Schumacher-Cawley.
UIC will be back in action tomorrow evening when they head to the Athletics-Recreation Center to take on the Valparaiso Crusaders at 6 p.m. The Flames are looking to avenge a five-set loss at the hands of Valpo the first time the two faced one another on Sept. 24 in Chicago.
"Every match from here on out is a playoff match to get into the tournament," said Schumacher-Cawley. "We need to continue to play with intensity, fire and focus for every point."
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