Box Score Chicago, Ill. – The Erskine Flying Fleet lost in their season opener to #2 Loyola University-Chicago tonight 3-0 (25-10, 25-21, 25-20) in non-conference men's volleyball action at Gentile Arena.

Playing the #2 ranked team, the Flying Fleet appeared to be a little rattled in their first set but demonstrated in their last two sets they could play with the best in the nation.  The Loyola Ramblers breezed through the first set winning 25 to 10.

Head Coach Derek Schmitt settled his squad, who responded to play well in the final two sets.  In the second set, the Flying Fleet took a brief two point lead off a kill by Mike Kawa (Debica, Poland, Elk Grove High School) and an error by the Ramblers.  Erskine fell behind but stayed within three points until Kawa slammed home another kill to pull the Fleet within one at 21 to 20.  The Ramblers scored four of the next five points, two points coming off blocks.

In the next set, Erskine grabbed an early 9 to 7 lead after a kill byMike Michelau (Trevor, WI, Westosha Central High School) and an attack error by the Ramblers.  The Ramblers again used their defense to retake the lead with two blocks and a Fleet attack error.  The Fleet remained within three to five points through the remainder of the set before losing 25 to 20.

The Ramblers finished with 15 blocks to Erskine's 7 blocks.

Michelau led the Flying Fleet with 10 kills and 4 digs.

The Ramblers were led by Dainis Berzins and Joe Smalzer with 10 kills each. 

Erskine will complete their Chicago trip tomorrow night against Lewis University.  First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. and may be watched via web streaming at:  http://www.lewisflyers.com/showcase/ and can be followed via live stats at:  http://www.sidearmstats.com/lewisu/mvball/