CHICAGO  -  SIUE volleyball fell twice on Friday at Loyola Chicago's Rambler Invitational, dropping a 3-0 decision to Xavier (19-25, 14-25, 20-25) before falling in four sets to host Loyola Chicago in the nightcap (13-25, 18-25, 25-20, 19-25).

Match 1 - SIUE vs. Xavier
SIUE would play in the opening tournament match for the second consecutive weekend, this time hoping for a different result against a strong Xavier squad; however, the Musketeers overwhelmed the Cougars in straight sets, holding the Cougars to a hitting percentage of .113 and just one total team block. True freshman Ainsley Ranstead continued to show her quality on the outside, leading the Cougars with nine kills and registering six digs. Jessica Vineyard led SIUE in hitting percentage with a .364 clip (5-1-11). 

Match 2 - SIUE at Loyola Chicago
The Cougars' second match of the day would see SIUE face off against host Loyola Chicago, and the Cougars began to find their footing and return to form as a formidable defensive juggernaut. Annie Ellis led the way with an impressive six block assists, joined at the top by Vineyard's three solo blocks. In total, SIUE outblocked the Ramblers, 9-6.

The first and second sets were near mirrors of each other - the Cougars and Ramblers would trade blows through the opening moments before Loyola Chicago would mount a lengthy scoring run that would seal the set in favor of the hosts; however, this would not be the case in the third set, as SIUE stormed ahead early and never looked back to claim their first set win of the tournament. The good times would not last, as the hosts narrowly edged the Cougars in the fourth set to claim the match.

Next Up
The Cougars will close out the Rambler Challenge on Saturday afternoon, when SIUE will face former Ohio Valley Conference foe Eastern Kentucky. First serve is scheduled for noon tomorrow and live stats will be available.