Loyola Sports April 15 Roundup: Pitcher Has Hot Hand in Win

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 maintaining possession. Snower estimates his players have controlled play 60 percent of the time in every game. While defenses have keyed on Laura Gardner, others have stepped up to carry the offensive load. Freshmen Lia Baldo and Margret Walker each have five goals in the team’s first 10 games.

Defensively, Loyola has been equally as strong, recording nine shutouts in its first 10 games of the season.

“Having Carly Stevens in goal gives you certain freedom as a coach and we wanted to take advantage of that,” Snower said of trying to attack more with the team’s defenders.

“Corey Burns is a Grade-A central defender who can hold a defense together.  Putting her side-by-side with Annie Manganaro in the center of the defense makes us real strong,” he added.

Loyola is dealing with a couple of injuries, but in the case of one player, a concussion in November was a blessing in disguise.

Baseball: The Ramblers’ baseball team has had an up-and-down week, going 2-2 in their last four games. Danny Rafferty threw a no-hitter in Loyola’s 9-1 victory over Gordon Tech. The sophomore had eight strikeouts in seven innings. Loyola also took down De La Salle 11-6 on Wednesday as Fred Smart went 1-for-4 at the plate with a two-run homer.

Loyola’s two losses came at the hands of New Trier (9-3) and Notre Dame (12-4). The Ramblers are now 3-8 on the season.

Boys Volleyball: Loyola capped an undefeated week by winning a thrilling three-set match against Providence on Tuesday. Chris Bulava had 13 kills while Mario Asencio contributed 32 assists in Loyola’s 26-28, 25-19, 25-19 victory.

The Ramblers also took down St. Ignatius (25-21, 25-17) on April 7.

SCOREBOARD WATCHING:

Girls Water Polo:

Loyola 8, Marian Catholic 7 on April 11 (14-4-2 so far this season)

Boys Water Polo:

Homewood-Flossmoor 9, Loyola 4 in St. Patrick Invite on April 9

No. 14 Loyola 11, St. Rita 10 on April 11

Softball:

Loyola 9, St. Ignatius 8 (8 innings) on April 7

Resurrection 5, Loyola 2 on April 11

Loyola 9, Regina 5 on April 12

Trinity 11, Loyola 7 on April 13