It’s easy to misinterpret criticism from Loyola setter Esme Condon. Condon isn’t the type of overly-critical, in-your-face player who permeates negativity. It’s just the opposite. In fact Ramblers head coach Jenny Morris says Condon will often start voice her disapproval by first complimenting her teammates. Morris is hoping this year that changes a bit. (Check out Patch's previous coverage of Rambler volleyball.) “Why don’t you just get in her face?” Morris will ask Condon."She’s a nice girl. I think sometimes too nice. I’d like to see her get a little rougher.” And with two years of varsity…

Baseball: Despite their low sectional seed and a sub-.500 record, Loyola proved that they belong among the state’s elite teams. The Ramblers upset Notre Dame, 6-0, in the regional semifinals behind the dominant pitching of Jack Richmond, who threw a complete-game three-hit shutout. Richmond struck out seven batters in seven innings for Loyola. John Rafferty was the offensive hero, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run and three RBIs. Loyola came back the next day and handed Glenbrook South, the Central Suburban League South champion, only its ninth loss of the season, 8-2. The Ramblers …

Girls Soccer: For all of Loyola’s (23-0-3) accomplishments over the last four years – two Pepsi Showdown titles, conference championships and school records in wins – a deep postseason run isn’t part of the resume. The Ramblers haven’t won a sectional championship, losing to New Trier in the sectional final the last two seasons. But after taking care of business against Mather and Maine West in the regional and defeating Evanston, 3-0, in the sectional semifinals, Loyola will have yet another chance for redemption. The Ramblers will face New Trier on Friday night at Evanston. Laura Gardner …

Girls Lacrosse: Within the state of Illinois, Loyola Academy has rarely been challenged this season. But the two-time defending state champions always know their mid-season matchup with New Trier will always provide a stern test. Behind Meg Perhaus’ 4 goals and a late score from Molly Hulseman, Loyola edged its rival, 12-11 on Wednesday.   “It was a great win. Definitely the two best teams in Illinois played tonight and it was a display of how good the quality of lacrosse has gotten at the top end in the state of Illinois,” Loyola coach John Dwyer said. “That’s a great rival for us.” Baseball…

Girls Water Polo: No. 5 Loyola ended its season with a 15-4 win over Northside on Tuesday. Brittany Wallace scored five goals while Evan Swenson, Rachel Nieman and Sarah Gross each contributed two goals in the Ramblers’ Senior Night victory. The victory over Northside completed the regular season for Loyola, which went 18-5-3 (4-2 MCAC) in 26 games this season. The MCAC tournament will start on May 5 and the Ramblers, who earned the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament, will face Marian Catholic in the first round. For the sixth consecutive season, Loyola earned the No. 1 seed in an IHSA …

Girls water polo: No. 5 Loyola (17-5-3) took third place at the St. Ignatius Maroon and Gold Tournament last weekend. Overall, the Ramblers went 2-1-1, beating No. 3 Lyons, 11-7, in the third place game. Loyola’s only loss came against No. 4 Homewood-Flossmoor, 5-3. Brittany Wallace scored 13 goals in Loyola’s four games while Evan Swenson chipped in with seven and Caitlin Sershon had six. The Ramblers completed their MCAC schedule on Tuesday with a 13-7 victory over Resurrection. That put Loyola at 4-2 in conference, earning the No. 3 seed at the MCAC tournament. Girls soccer: For the second…

Girls Soccer: There are big expectations for Loyola’s soccer team, which lost a 1-0 match against New Trier in last year’s state sectional championship. The No. 2 Ramblers are undefeated (8-0-2) and have moved into the quarterfinals of the Pepsi Showdown. But it’s the little things that continue to be the key to Loyola’s success. “Off-the-ball movement and finishing runs to clear space for others [are the important things],” coach Craig Snower said. “Rebounding shots on goal, we probably could have a half dozen more goals if we did this well.” Overall, Loyola has dominated its opponents by …

Boys Water Polo: Play early and play often has been the motto for coach Daniel Hengelmann this season. Loyola Academy’s water polo team (10-8 overall, 5-2 in the Catholic League) has played more games than anyone in the state so far this season, and Hengelmann is counting on these early season games to be a stepping stone into the playoffs. “We know that experience and chemistry will pay off,” he said. “The boys are getting better every day, and we'll be ready for [the] sectionals.” The Ramblers may already be ahead of the curve. On Wednesday, No. 15 Loyola took down No. 3 St. Ignatius, 11-10…