School may have just picked up in early September, but Loyola’s women’s volleyball team has been on campus and hard at work since Aug. 9. In the month that the team has been in season, they have hit the ground running by hosting a tournament at Reitz Arena, traveling to Texas, and playing at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)’s new sports complex. In total, the team has played in 10 matches so far and are looking forward to the start of conference games in the Patriot League.
Throughout the 10 games, one force has been consistent and has managed to grab attention not only in the Loyola program, but throughout the Patriot League and even on a national level. First year Katie Forsythe from Perry, Ohio has stepped into the libero position for the Greyhounds and is making waves.
In the home-opener weekend against Towson, Forsythe started off her collegiate career by breaking Loyola’s single-game record for digs with an outstanding 41 digs. The previous record was held by Kara Schiffer with 35 digs in 2012 with her performance against Rider.
“After the game, I had so much pride in being a part of the program,” Forsythe said. “I was proud of what I accomplished not only with my individual record but with the team, not only breaking the record but also beating Towson for the first time since 1996.”
After her record-breaking performance, Forsythe earned All-Tournament Team honors and was able to represent Loyola proudly in their home tournament. The Towson game also put Forsythe on the map in the Patriot League allowing her to earn Co-Rookie of the Week honors.
The Towson game was only the beginning for Forsythe. Since the Baltimore Bash, she has earned Patriot League Rookie of the Week a second time and is ranked 4th in all of the DI NCAA for digs per set. Forsythe is the only first year who is ranked in the top 45 when it comes to digs per set.
“I am very proud of my performance at Loyola so far,” Forsythe said. “I definitely will be setting the bar high for not only myself but also for the team as we head into Patriot League games.”
Forsythe has the chance to continue to earn Patriot League honors and claw her way up the DI NCAA Statistics board as the Greyhounds kick off Patriot League play against Lehigh and Lafayette on Sept. 21 and 22.
Feature Image: Courtesy of Craig Chase
