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by Joe DiBlasi
Senior hitter Ian Buchanan and junior hitter Trevor Dauses led the way, with significant contribution from junior center Ben Pasquarella as Loyola rose to the challenge for a 3-1 volleyball upset victory over last year's MIAA-A Conference champion Mount St. Joseph.
The Dons (3-0 overall, 1-0 league) won the best of five match, 25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 25-21, along the way, getting brilliant defensive efforts from junior Andy Smith (four blocks) and junior Tristan Deppe, each of whom played well at the net.
Coach Tim Baier praised Pasquarella, whom he said, "served well, and was strong defensively at the net." Loyola won its third straight game of the year, having also vanquished Archbishop Curley and Annapolis Area Christian.
"Today was our first A-Conference game,on the road, against last year's champs" said Baier, in his third season. "We played well. We've been consistent."
The Gaels received good
games from Junior Jesse Phelps, who had 16 kills, two blocks and two
aces, and senior Matt Schmidt, who had 18 assists and 9 kills. "We knew Loyola would be improved," said third-year Gaels' coach Sam Bianco. "Both teams played
well." On Monday, the Dons visit Mount Carmel, while the Gaels face a talented John Carroll squad.
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