BALTIMORE – The U.S. Naval Academy came from down 20-17 in the third set to slip past host Loyola University Maryland, 26-24, in the final set, and the defending Patriot League Champions left Reitz Arena with a 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 26-24 conference win on Friday night.
 
Megan Bukala had one of her eight kills to give Loyola a 20-17 lead, forcing a Navy (8-7 overall, 3-1 Patriot League) timeout. The Midshipmen came out of the break and scored two in a row, but Bukala had a sideout kill to give Loyola (10-9, 3-2) a 21-19 cushion.
 
Amanda Montag put away one of her Navy-high 16 kills on the next point to close the gap back to one, but Ann Ernst sided out with one of her 11 kills for the Greyhounds to make it 22-20.
 
Navy responded with three-consecutive points before a Loyola timeout with the Midshipmen up, 23-22. A Navy service error tied the match momentarily, but Avery Stowell sided out with a kill for the Midshipmen. Ernst responded in kind to tie it again at 24-24, but two-straight Navy points swung the set and the match in its favor.
 
Abby Hamilton led all players with 18 kills for Loyola, while Mackenzie Fedota had 12 to go with four blocks. Ernst added 11 kills, and Bukala had eight. Cecylia Guye posted six kills and a match-best five total blocks.
 
Katie Forsythe led all players with 25 digs, and Ashley Dwyer had 45 assists.
 
Loyola continues its homestand on Tuesday, October 15, when it hosts Lehigh University at 7 p.m. in Reitz Arena.