The Loyola men’s volleyball team (2-2) is ranked No. 8 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll after defeating then- No. 3 Brigham Young University (BYU) 3-2 in its season opener Jan. 5 and falling to then- No. 7 University of California-Irvine 3-1 Jan. 6.
The Ramblers split two matches to begin a nine-game homestand, defeating George Mason University 3-1 Jan 12 and falling to No. 2 Long Beach State University 3-0 Jan. 13.
Having reached the Final Four of the NCAA tournament four of the past five seasons, BYU seemed like a tough competitor for Loyola to open the season against.