Loyola WBB Stays Positive

The Loyola Ramblers 56-49 loss to Brown dropped their record to 2-3. The Ramblers led 14-5 after one quarter and 27-15 at half. Brown roared back with a 16-3 third quarter, before sealing the comeback win outscoring Loyola 25-19 in the final quarter.

After a game like that, I usually feel a sense of gloom throughout an area. This was not the case at Gentile Arena.

There has been a noticeable positive energy around the team this season. As I have previously written, I felt an increased positive energy at my first game of the season, but I was unable to attend the post-game media session. After having that same feeling again, I had to get Coach Guth's thoughts.

I struggled with how to approach this topic with Head Coach Allison Guth in the post-game session. I did not want to imply last year felt negative. That would have been inaccurate and insulting to Coach Guth and the team.

After Coach Guth's opening statement in the media session, I started my turn with a question about the day's loss. As always, Coach Guth was straight-forward. She was frustrated with the team's play in the second half, particularly the third quarter.

I asked the question exactly as I felt it in my head. With no disrespect to last season, there seems to be an increased positive vibe surrounding the team. Does she notice it and what is the source of it?

Coach Guth started by thanking me for noticing it and for mentioning it. Again, her honesty came out clearly. Despite the tough second half, the team is positive. The team is capable of playing much better ball, as it has shown. The team will continue working on playing a full game. She gave also respect to Brown for coming back and playing so tough.

This is exactly why I like Coach Guth and why I feel the energy. She didn't throw chairs, scream or criticize the refs (even though there were a couple questionable fouls late in the game). She rated her team's performance as it was, while asserting they were better than that and will be better than that as the season progresses.

I thanked Coach for her time. As I drove home I reflected on the situation and assured myself there really is something special building at Loyola.

Last season, the Ramblers went 6-24 in Coach Guth's first season at Loyola. Now 2-3, the Ramblers have already won 1/3 as many games. I predicted they would easily double last season's win total and I stand by that.

For this game, Sam Galanopoulos lead the team with 13 points, while adding four assists and two steals. Sitori Tanin led in rebounds with 11, while chipping in 11 points. Alyssa Fisher, with 12 points, was the other player in double digits. For a more detailed report, go to LoyolaRamblers.com.

Last Sunday, i had divided loyalties, as Loyola traveled a few miles south to face the DePaul Blue Demons, my alma mater. Unfortunately, I couldn't make the game, a 93-72 loss for the Ramblers.

Once again, a bad second half was their undoing. Leading 28-27 at half, Loyola was outscored 56-34. Galanopoulos led the way again with 20 points.

The next day, I talked to a few DePaul fans and asked their opinions. I felt good when they agreed this Loyola team seemed different. It's not that I need to prove I was right, but rather happy to hear others see something in this team.

Loyola returns to action tomorrow when they travel a couple miles north to face Northwestern, another area rival. The Wildcats are 2-0 at home, 3-3 overall on the season, but they've lost two straight. This si the perfect opportunity for Loyola to put together four quarters and take a win.

Check back here for my recurring coverage and go to LoyolaRamblers.com for more in-depth recaps.. As always, thank you to Loyola for the hospitality.