Box Score The Wolf Pack's win marks the first time they've beaten Xavier since 2014
NEW ORLEANS – The Loyola Wolf Pack trailed 2-1 entering the fourth set against Xavier, and Loyola used two close wins in the final two games to defeat the Gold Nuggets in five sets (21-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 15-13) Tuesday.
It's the first time Loyola has beaten Xavier since Nov. 3, 2014 when it won in straight sets.
The Wolf Pack started the opening game strong, jumping out 11-2 quickly. Xavier, however, battled back to tie the game at 16-all, before taking the first set 25-21. After the Gold Nuggets pushed the lead to 21-16, the Wolf Pack cut the lead to two, but Xavier was able to finish the set.
The two teams were locked in a tight contest throughout most of the second set until the Wolf Pack pushed ahead to win 25-23. Neither team could get a lead larger than four points, but Loyola finally broke through late in the set. In a 14-14 game, the Wolf Pack extended the advantage to 23-15 to put distance on Xaiver. The Gold Nuggets battled back, but Loyola eventually found the winner.
Xavier regained the match lead with a 25-15 third-set win.
In the fourth set, Xavier appeared to have control. However, the Wolf Pack came roaring back to tie the game at 16-16. Xavier led by as many as eight points, but Loyola used an 11-3 run to get back into the set. Xavier took a multi-point lead multiple times down the stretch, but the Wolf Pack scored the final four points to force a fifth set.
Xavier built a three-point lead twice early in the fifth, but once again, Loyola proved to be a tough opponent. It tied the game 8-8, then the two teams shared the lead four more times before Loyola claimed the match with a 15-13 win.
Loyola is back for its final two games of the regular season Friday and Saturday, and it'll finish the season at home, too. On Friday, Middle Georgia State enters The Den for a 6 p.m. match, then the Wolf Pack will play Brewton-Parker at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the regular season finale.
"Tonight was exciting. We had our low moments, but we knew the girls had the fight in them. We've seen them battle against tough teams before, and we knew we had what it would takes to get the win tonight.
"Sunni Blanchard had a great night connecting with all of our hitters, and Gracie Bailey found a way to get to one of our hottest hitters in Gabriela Martinez. Gaby continues to work through some tough defenses and get kills for us. We had four players in double-digit digs and three in double-digit kills. This was very much a team win.
"This is our first win against Xavier (La.) since 2014. This group continues to break records, achieve new things, and rewrite the story of Wolf Pack Volleyball. We are so proud of the work they put in each day they walk in this gym. We're excited to get two more matches at home this weekend to close out the regular season, including celebrating our seniors on Saturday."
Pack Facts
Gracie Bailey recorded her sixth straight double-double Tuesday with 20 assists and 10 digs. She now has 11 double-doubles this season.
Malea Howie's 16 kills ties a season-high for the senior. She previously had 16 kills just three days ago against LeTourneau. The last time she had more than 16 kills was against Mississippi College on Oct. 9, 2018, when she had 17 kills.
Tuesday was also Howie's 147th match for Loyola, moving her into a tie for third in the program's record books.
Dallis Brown led the Wolf Pack with 16 digs against Xavier, marking the fourth time in five games that she's recorded double-digit kills.
Gabriela Martinez's 12 kills was the third time this season she's hit double figures. Her career high of 13 kills came earlier this season against Southeastern.
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