HARROGATE, Tenn. -- Grabbing their first win over a ranked opponent in program history, the Lincoln Memorial did so in front of a packed Mary Mars Gymnasium as they defeated No. 11 Loyola Chicago in straight set (25-21, 25-22, 25-15) on Friday night.
 
How It Happened
The Railsplitters (3-0) and Ramblers (3-4) got off to an offensive battle to the first set drawing to a 17-17 tie before Lincoln Memorial was able to create separation and ultimately capturing the first set, 25-21, off a swing from Johansen Negron.
 
The Ramblers were able to come out firing in the second set, taking an early 6-4 lead. Lincoln Memorial did not go unnoticed as they rallied to come back and take the lead, going up 11-9. Loyola Chicago fought back and used a five-point run to take a 14-11 lead, but the Railsplitters retook the lead just moments later with a four-point run. Both programs found themselves at a 22-22 tie, but Lincoln Memorial rattled off three straight points to take a set two win, 25-22.
 
Lincoln Memorial came into the third set swinging as they raced out to a 9-3 lead before the Ramblers were able to pull to within three. The Railsplitters carried the momentum into an 8-2 run as they held a 20-11. Lincoln Memorial did not let up as the final swing came from Negron as the Railsplitters captured the third set, and sweep, 25-15.
 
The win marks the first for the program over the Ramblers and the first victory over a ranked opponent in program history.
 
Negorn paced the Railsplitters on the night as the San Juan, Puerto Rico native tallied a team-high 13 kills with a .667 hitting percentage, a new career-best for the sophomore. Justin Sharfenaker followed suite with 11 kills while freshman Kohl Kutsch helped the offense flow with 30 assists on the night.
 
Up Next
 
The Railsplitters will welcome McKendree to Mary Mars Gym for a Saturday afternoon match up on January 29 with a 4 p.m. first serve.
 
Follow Along
 
Be sure to stay tuned to LMURailsplitters.com , as well as LMU's social media platforms – @LMURailsplitter on Twitter, @LMURailsplitters on Facebook and @lmurailsplitters on Instagram – for up-to-date Railsplitter men's volleyball information, including any 2022 schedule changes.