In a five-set game on Sept. 27, Loyola women’s volleyball took down Navy in a Family Weekend matchup at Reitz Arena. The game saw a tight back-and-forth between the two teams before the Greyhounds stole the show, which took them to a record of 4-8.
Loyola started the game strong with a kill over Navy by Riley Hamilton ‘26, quickly setting the intense tone for the matchup. After the Greyhounds won the first set, fans were left in constant anticipation as the two teams battled out the remaining four sets.
As the Greyhounds entered the second and third sets, Navy began to take the reins. Winning the second set 25-27, Navy tied the Greyhounds in set wins. Notable again was Huber with two aces.
Continuing to the third set, Loyola fell short to Navy, 21-25. The Greyhounds began to take a more defensive stance, with many of their points being earned from defensive blocks. Despite this strategy, many players began to take the game into their own hands, such as Leah Hunter ‘26, who had two serving aces in the third set and two more throughout the rest of the game. The stands packed with fellow Greyhound students and their families never faltered to encourage their team and keep the energy high.
After the third set, the Greyhounds returned to the court with a newfound intensity. Their team chemistry was apparent as their connection began to flow better, racking up a greater number of points.
As they carried the fourth set win with them into the final set, the stakes were high, the game now tied 2-2. Both teams were battling it out, every play becoming more intentional and powerful as any point gained or conceded ultimately contributed to their win or loss. The crowd was on the edge of their seats with suspense as the teams went back and forth.
As the set was nearing the end, the Greyhounds and the Midshipmen felt the game was not over yet. The score in this set was 17-16, with the Greyhounds needing one more point to take down their opponent. Graduate student Kacy Sekunda bumped the ball to Hamilton, who secured the game-winning kill.
Addie Huber ‘29, Loyola’s libero, or defense specialist, reflected on the team’s victory.
“We had a couple errors there but we figured it out and we managed… It’s just the endless hours on the court, working as a team… We won it together,” Huber said.
Though there was plenty of competition, the game was more than just a win for Loyola. The Greyhounds played in honor of their former teammate and Loyola alumna Corrine Filograna ‘22, who lost her battle to cancer in the spring of 2023.
Hamilton’s sister Abby Hamilton ‘22 had been a fellow teammate of Filograna during her time at Loyola. The current player stated that being able to score the winning point for Filograna was especially meaningful.
Loyola had a strong presence of first-years in their lineup. Huber had an astonishing game with 27 digs and led the team confidently in their most pressured defensive situations. Another first-year who shone on the court was Addie Lowe ‘29, who led the team in kills for the game, ending with a total of 17.
Women’s volleyball Head Coach Alija Pittenger was proud of her team’s performance in the game against Navy.
“A lot of our players came through in big moments when it mattered and we needed those points, so I think it was great to see them playing with confidence, and being able to go out and swing and play in those big moments. Especially a lot of our [first-years] who were on the court,” Pittenger said.
Students and families erupted in the stands as the game concluded. This showcase of fan commitment showed the spirit of the family that is Loyola Athletics.
Joyce Burgess, a family member of a Loyola student, commented on the game and the experience during Family Weekend.
“I feel like athletics games during the Family Weekend really gives the parents a chance to see the community that Loyola builds,” Burgess said.
Whether it was the support the team showed for each other, the loyalty from fans, or the honoring of their late teammate, the women’s volleyball game showed what it means to be a part of the Loyola family on Family Weekend.
You can find the rest of the women’s volleyball schedule here.
