CHICAGO – Fairfield University Volleyball opened action at the Rambler Challenge in Chicago against Milwaukee on Friday afternoon. Mayda Garcia and Sonja Radulovic each recorded their first career double-double as the Stags were edged by the Panthers in five sets (18-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-15, 15-12).
 
With the loss, Fairfield stands at an even 2-2 on the young 2017 campaign. The Stags, who defeated Boston College and UAB last weekend prior to a loss to Providence at the BC Invitational, will be back in action this evening at 6 p.m. (ET) against tournament host Loyola Chicago. Milwaukee improves to 3-2 following their second straight win over a 2016 NCAA postseason qualifier.
 
Garcia had a pair of career highs en route to her double-double with 14 kills and 11 digs. Radulovic's 13 finishers were also a new personal standard; the sophomore added 11 digs for her double-double. Skyler Day led the attack with 16 kills in the first match of her homecoming trip to Chicago. She will enter tonight's match with the Rambler with 992 kills as a Stag.
 
Rounding out the offense were Kaylie Butts and Nora Quinn with four kills apiece, while Kaitlyn Fisher and Manuela Nicolini each landed one. Nicolini piloted the offense to a .161 hitting percentage, handing out 44 assists. Taylor Rudeen matched her career best of seven assists from the libero spot.
 
Rudeen – the reigning MAAC Libero of the Week – also led the way in the back row with 22 digs. Nicolini was just shy of posting a double-double as she picked up nine digs. At the net, Butts had a hand in seven of the Stags' 14 team blocks, including a pair of solo stuffs. Nicolini and Quinn each added six send-backs to Fairfield's season-best blocking effort.
 
Milwaukee was led by a match-high 19 kills from 2016 Horizon League Freshman of the Year Bridget Wallenberger and 17 finishers by Caitlin Schultz. Jenn Dore dished out 57 assists for the Panthers, who hit a collective .179 for the match. Mykie Olsen paced a balanced effort in the Milwaukee back row with 18 digs.
 
Following tonight's upcoming match with Loyola Chicago, the Stags will challenge reigning Southern Conference Champion Samford at 12 p.m. (ET) tomorrow to conclude the Rambler Invitational.