Box Score Taking on the tournament's top seed Faulkner, Loyola fought tough before falling 3-0
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – After advancing through pool play at the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Volleyball Championships the Loyola University New Orleans volleyball team fell to the No. 1 seed Faulkner 3-0 Friday night at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.
The Eagles (26-11,14-2) would climb out to an early advantage on the Wolf Pack (17-21, 5-11), leading 14-2 in the first set before the Pack roared back to take a 21-20 lead. Faulkner would then go on a 5-3 run to close out the frame, winning it 25-23.
While Faulkner would take a quick lead again in the second set, the Pack climbed back in. With the score at 12-all, the Eagles scored seven of the next nine. After Loyola brought the match back within two, down 23-21, Faulkner closed out the set to take the match lead two sets to none. In set number three Loyola would reach a six-point deficit at 14-8, a lead the Eagles would hold on to, taking the third set 25-19.
"Tonight was a tough way to end our season. We had the rest, we had the confidence, but Faulkner just played better than us. Our girls put up an incredible fight along the way and we're very proud that they never gave up. Champagne finished the season strong and Maddie finished her last season with the Pack by leading the offense and bringing a really strong serve. We're so proud of our seniors and all the work they've put in to help this program grow since I started here. They will definitely be missed!"
Pack Facts
The Wolf Pack have reached the quarterfinals at the SSAC Championship in both of head coach Jesse Zabal's seasons, after not advancing from pool play the four previous years.
Maddie Huekels posted her 15th double-double of the season with 20 assists and 10 digs.
This was the 16th time this season the senior dished out 20 or more assists.
Huekels added three service aces and has 68 on the year, tied for the 10th-most in a single season at Loyola.
With 195 service aces for her career, she slid into fifth-place for the most in a Wolf Pack career.
Anna Katherine Brunini registered 11 digs in today's match, the fifth time she has hit double-digits in that category this year.
You can keep up with the Pack by following Wolf Pack Athletics on Facebook at Facebook.com/LoyolaWolfPack, Twitter and Instagram @LoyolaWolfPack, and by checking out our website at LoyolaWolfPack.com.
