I wasn't sure if the game would be broadcast on UStream, but the link came up this afternoon. Watch here:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Loyola-Ramblers-Athletics

If too many people log in, the stream can get a little choppy. Just in case it goes south, you can also follow the match on Gametracker:

http://www.loyolaramblers.com/gametrack ... rtschool=&

Great 1st set but so many service errors. Need to tighten that up in the 2nd set

_________________
Cigarboy sucks!

Up 2-0 going into the 3rd.

_________________
Cigarboy sucks!

Don't let BYU open the door on a comeback here...

SWEEP!

_________________
Cigarboy sucks!

We're Number One!

We're Number One!!

Another impressive victory! I thought the team looked more confident tonight. When BYU put a few good runs together the players just "dug in" and came up with key points. Rest up, another one tomorrow night.

Oh My God! This is so exciting.... I only wish the students were on campus for this, because they've been so supportive of the men's volleyball team!

Earlier today I was looking back at the last 20 years of men's volleyball national polls, and three or four times we made it up to #9. We tied that mark in the last poll before the run to the Final Four last year. This year, we were ranked #7 in the preseason poll, a new high water mark for the program.

After defeating the #1 and #3 teams-- the defending national champions and the defending national runner-ups-- within a 26 hour span, we're likely to make another high water mark in the poll released on Monday. If we can knock off #11 USC tomorrow night, I could see us as #3 or even better.

Last night I was looking at Twitter, and Ball State's women's volleyball coach Steve Shondell wrote: "Great win for Midwest Volleyball with Loyola knocking off the defending NCAA champion and #1 ranked California Irvine Anteaters in 5 tonight." Tonight's win in three sets over the #3 is proof it's not a fluke. It's great to get some notice for Midwestern volleyball, and turn the attention away from the West Coast for once...

As for the game, sophomore Thomas Jaeschke and junior Cody Caldwell played great, and took a lot of the pressure off All-American Joe Smalzer. If they keep playing like this, they're also in line for All-American status.

Preseason #2 UCLA lost two matches in a tournament today (IPFW beat them!) so I figure Loyola, assuming they win tomorrow against USC, should at the very least move past UCLA, BYU and UC IRVINE.

I think #3 or better sounds about right.

#1 is not out of the question.

Loyola reached #8 a few times but to start the season at #7 is a nice accolade.