The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women’s volleyball team lost to Loyola University in three games at the Alumni Gym in Chicago, Ill., on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The loss puts the Panthers (7-7) in a tight spot, as they started 0-2 in the Horizon League for the first time in 11 years.

UWM lost 30-24 in the first game, when Loyola had commanding leads of 17-11 and 25-18 at separate points in the match. UWM battled back to cut down both of those leads, but Loyola took a 26-24 lead and went on to win.

The second game was much closer, as UWM turned an 8-4 deficit into a 16-12 advantage. That advantage was short-lived as Loyola ended the game with a 30-26 win.

Loyola did not take the third game as easily as the first two, as the teams fought back and forth until UWM took a 29-28 lead, which gave them a game-point opportunity. Loyola beat it back with a kill by Kelly Zins, and Loyola went on to win the game and match with a score of 32-30.

Junior outside hitter Sarah Moore led UWM with 11 kills, which was matched by junior middle blocker Melissa David, who set her season high. They were followed by senior Rachel Kuebbing, who recorded eight kills.

Defensively, freshman Becky Peters had 12 digs, followed by nine from sophomore Leanne Felsing. Melissa Lange, Melissa David and Cheryl Hegemann each recorded four digs.

The Panthers begin a home stand of seven matches on Friday, Sept. 30, when they host Wright State (5-7, 1-1 Horizon) at the Klotsche Center.

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