WORCESTER, Mass. – Junior outside hitter Gracyn Benck had a team-high six kills, but the Holy Cross volleyball team was defeated by Loyola (Md.) in three sets at Blaney Gymnasium, by scores of 25-10, 25-21 and 25-19. The Crusaders fall to 2-23 overall and 1-13 in the Patriot League, while the Greyhounds improve to 15-9 on the season and 7-6 in the conference.

The first set was tied a 4-4 early on, before Loyola won nine of the next 10 points to take a 13-5 lead. The Greyhounds were later up 18-9, before using a streak of seven straight points to close out the set. In set two, Loyola held an early 9-6 lead, but Holy Cross responded by winning six of the next eight points to pull in front. The Crusaders led by as many as three (18-15), before the Greyhounds came back to take 10 of the final 13 points and win the set. The third set was close, with neither team leading by more than two points most of the way. Holy Cross was up 18-17, but Loyola once again closed the set out strong with an 8-1 run to claim the win.

Senior libero Skye Daval-Santos finished the match with a team-high 12 digs, while freshman setter Sarah Stokes recorded 14 assists. The Greyhounds were led by Abby Hamilton with 12 kills.

The Crusaders return to action Saturday, Nov. 6, when they play host to American at 4:00 p.m.

SENIOR DAY:
• Prior to the match, three senior members of the Holy Cross volleyball program who will be concluding their collegiate careers at the end of the 2021 season were honored in a pregame ceremony.
• Daval-Santos, outside hitter Courtney Rasic and outside hitter Johnna Shamley were all recognized.