CHICAGO – Mayda Garcia and Sonja Radulovic each posted their second double-double of the day, with Manuela Nicolini recording her first of the year as Fairfield University Volleyball defeated tournament host Loyola Chicago, 3-1, at the Rambler Challenge. The Stags took the match by set scores of 17-25, 25-23, 25-17 and 25-22.
 
"It was nice to see players step up tonight with both Megan (Theiller) and Skyler (Day) sidelined," said Head Coach Todd Kress, who earned his 399th career win tonight. "Mayda put up big numbers and took some quality swings when the score was tight. I was also pleased that the offense was more balanced and we were able to get both middles involved."
 
With the win, the Stags improve to 3-2 on the season. Earlier today, Fairfield was edged in five frames by Milwaukee.
 
"Overall, it was another quality team win tonight," Kress continued. "Outside of a few points at the end of the fifth set against Milwaukee, it was a solid day for us."
 
Against the Ramblers, Garcia established double-doubles in both kills and digs for the second time today, registering 18 finishers (.350) and 16 digs this evening. Radulovic notched 11 kills and 10 digs for her second double-double of the day, as well as serving up a trio of aces. Nicolini dished out 38 assists while managing the attack and posted 11 digs.
 
Supplementing the offense, Kaylie Butts sent home eight kills and Nora Quinn had four. Skyler Day, who was limited to playing in the back row, and Kaitlyn Fisher each added two, and Luci Albertson sent home one kill.
 
In the back row, Taylor Rudeen continued her strong defensive play from the libero spot with 22 digs. The reigning MAAC Libero of the Week has led Fairfield in digs in all five matches of 2017 to date. Day also reached double figures in dig with 12.
 
Quinn led a balanced effort at the net with four blocks, while Garcia and Butts each played a role in seven send-backs. The Stags totaled seven rejections against the Ramblers after blocking 14 Milwaukee offerings earlier today.
 
Morgan Gresham led Loyola Chicago with 13 kills as the only Rambler to reach double figures. Delilah Wolf doled out 18 assists, and Alex Nunez recorded 19 digs.
 
The Stags conclude action at the Rambler Challenge tomorrow at 12 p.m. (ET) against 2016 Southern Conference Champion Samford. The Bulldogs, who are currently in action against Milwaukee, entered the weekend with a 1-2 record on the young 2017 season.