Men’s Volleyball Hits the Road For Two Top-10 Matchups in Chicago

Breaking: Pepperdine Faces Chicago Challenge, Eyes Weekend Road Swing Against Loyola Chicago and Lewis

In a high-stakes weekend road swing, Pepperdine’s men’s volleyball team heads to Chicago riding momentum from a strong start this season. The Waves (2-1) will square off Friday night with No. 7 Loyola Chicago, then turn the lights on Saturday against the Lewis Flyers (4-1).

The upcoming tests come on the heels of pepperdine’s latest results, including a four-set setback at home against No. 6 UC Irvine last Friday. Pepperdine’s top hitters, Ryan Barnett and Grant Lamoureux, emerged with standout production, delivering a .522 clip in that match to lead a team-wide .406 hitting percentage.

Last season,Pepperdine enjoyed its most triumphant NCAA tournament run as 2019,advancing to the national semifinals before bowing to eventual champion Long Beach State. The Waves also captured the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title, knocking off higher-seeded USC and UCLA on their way to the conference crown in Malibu.

Looking ahead, Pepperdine is entering a season widely regarded as one of the program’s toughest schedules. The Waves sit fourth in the AVCA preseason poll, trailing only Long Beach State, Hawaii, and UCLA. The team will continue to lean on a veteran core and a deep roster that includes several national-team alumni.

Key players and roster depth

Among the returnees, Ryan Barnett, James Eadie, cole Hartke, and Jacob Reilly earned All-American honors last year and remain central to Pepperdine’s plans. Barnett and Reilly contributed internationally this summer, while Hartke added a bronze medal with Team USA’s U21 squad in the FIVB World Championship. Grant Lamoureux redshirted last season but has drawn early attention as a dynamic, experienced presence. Ford Harman, a transfer from Long Beach State, also figures prominently, having earned a silver medal with the U.S. at the 2025 Men’s Beach Collegiate challenge.

The Waves’ international flavour continues with Andrej Polomac, a Serbia-born setter from Purdue Fort Wayne, who logged near nine aces per set last season. Pepperdine’s roster features players from Cuba, Serbia, and Switzerland, underscoring the program’s global reach. Jonathan Winder, in his fourth year as head coach, guided Pepperdine to an NCAA Final Four appearance in 2025 and previously led the team to the 2023 NCAA Final four after a return to form for the Waves.

Series history and opponent snapshots

Pepperdine owns a 3-2 edge in its all-time meetings with Loyola Chicago. The Waves knocked the Ramblers out of the NCAA tournament last season with a 3-1 quarterfinal victory, and pepperdine has demonstrated success in Chicago in recent years, where the program is 1-1 in road matchups.

Against Lewis University, Pepperdine holds a 6-3 all-time record, including a sweep of the Flyers in Malibu last season. In Chicago, Pepperdine is 2-1 all-time in road games against Lewis, with the first-ever meeting dating back to 2003.

In Chicago, Loyola Chicago is coming off two losses to ranked opponents (No. 2 Hawaii and No. 1 UCLA) but also posted a noted victory over No. 2 Hawaii in a two-day stretch. Lewis recently swept No. 9 Stanford, then slightly stumbled against No. 13 Penn State, illustrating the parity across early-season matchups.

What to watch this weekend

Friday’s showdown with loyola Chicago features a robust Ramblers lineup led by Aleksander Sosa, averaging over five kills per set with a solid hitting percentage. Pepperdine’s block and back-row defense will be tested against a balanced offence. Saturday’s clash with Lewis highlights an opponent that has shown the ability to disrupt top programs, with Daniel Haber spearheading the Flyers’ attack and a prolific blocking unit.

broadcast and viewing details

Friday’s match is set for 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed free on Marquee Sports Network,with live stats available at pepperdine’s athletics site. Saturday’s game will stream for free on YouTube, with stats also provided at the same site.

Team context and program trajectory

Pepperdine’s volleyball program carries a storied legacy, including five NCAA titles and 18 MPSF crowns. Marv Dunphy’s era remains a benchmark, but current coach Jonathan Winder—the Waves’ ninth coach and a Pepperdine alum who won a national title in 2005—has continued the tradition of excellence. pepperdine’s 56th and final season at Firestone Fieldhouse precedes a move to the Mountain at Mullin Park for 2026-27, a state-of-the-art venue designed to elevate home-court advantages and fan experiences.

With one of the nation’s toughest schedules and a roster that blends elite talent with international experience,Pepperdine remains a perennial title contender. The Waves begin the Chicago trip aiming to build on a strong start this season and set the tone for a late-wiber surge into the postseason.

Upcoming schedule snapshot

Opponent	Location	When	Series Edge	Current Record (Waves)
Loyola Chicago	Chicago, IL	Friday, 4:00 p.m.PT	Pepperdine leads 3-2	2-1 this season
Lewis University	Chicago, IL	Saturday, evening	Pepperdine leads 6-3	2-1 in Chicago

Evergreen insights for long-term readers

Pepperdine’s ongoing evolution reflects a broader trend in collegiate volleyball: blending proven success with global talent to sustain competitiveness at the highest levels. The Waves’ transition to a new arena in 2026-27 signals investment in infrastructure to support elite recruitment and fan engagement, while maintaining a tradition of success that stretches back decades. with a coach who is an alumnus and a roster featuring multiple internationals and recent national-team participants, Pepperdine remains a case study in how a mid-major program leverages experience, leadership, and regional corridors to compete with national powers.

Two fan prompts to join the conversation

• Which Pepperdine player do you expect to lead the weekend’s charge in Chicago?
• Which matchup on the Waves’ schedule are you most eager to see unfold this season?

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and follow Pepperdine MVB on social for the latest updates. For tickets and schedules, visit the Waves’ official site.

Disclaimer: All times are Pacific Time and subject to change. Please verify broadcasts with the official Pepperdine Athletics schedule.

Follow, engage, and support the Waves as they navigate a pivotal season on the road toward another deep NCAA run.

content.Men’s Volleyball Hits the Road for Two Top‑10 Matchups in Chicago

2026 Road Trip Snapshot

• Teams traveling: UCLA Bruins & BYU Cougars
• Destination: Chicago, IL (MIVA‑hosted weekend)
• Dates: Saturday, February 22 & Sunday, February 23, 2026
• Matchup tier: Both contests rank inside the Top 10 of the 2026 NCAA men’s volleyball power rankings (UCLA #3 vs Loyola Chicago #9; BYU #5 vs Ohio State #8).

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1️⃣ UCLA Bruins vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers (Top‑3 vs. Top‑9)

When: Saturday, Feb 22 @ 7:30 PM CST

Where: DePaul Alumni Hall, 2325 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL

Key Stats & Storylines

• UCLA (3‑0 2‑0 conference) – Average kills per set: 22.4,hitting percentage .324.
• loyola Chicago (2‑1 1‑1 conference) – Known for a 30‑player block that ranks 2nd nationally.
• Star players to watch:

1. Mason “Mace” Reynolds (UCLA, Outside Hitter) – 3.12 kills per set this season.
2. Ethan Patel (Loyola, Middle Blocker) – 2.8 blocks per set, leading the MIVA.

Tactical Preview

• UCLA’s high‑tempo offense aims to outrun Loyola’s blocking scheme.
• Loyola’s serve‑receive is statistically the most consistent in the Midwest, forcing UCLA into longer rallies.

Ticket & Access Details

• General admission: $25 (early‑bird) / $30 (standard)
• Student discount: $20 with valid.edu email
• VIP package: $70 – includes backstage meet‑and‑greet, signed memorabilia, and priority seating.

Parking: On‑site parking garage (Lot B) – $10 flat fee.

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2️⃣ BYU Cougars vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (Top‑5 vs. Top‑8)

When: Sunday, Feb 23 @ 6:00 PM CST

Where: UIC Pavilion, 851 S Loomis St, Chicago, IL

Key Stats & Storylines

• BYU (2‑1 1‑1 conference) – Leading the nation in serving efficiency (0.87).
• Ohio State (2‑1 2‑0 conference) – Best defensive save percentage (.215) across all Division I programs.

Standout Athletes

1. Jared “Jet” Kim (BYU, Setter) – 5.3 assists per set, torchbearer of BYU’s quick‑set offense.
2. Lucas Hernandez (Ohio State, Libero) – 3.9 digs per set, earning All‑MIVA honors.

Game Flow Predictions

• Expect BYU’s jump serve to target Ohio State’s back‑row, testing its reception.
• Ohio State’s floor defence will likely force BYU into dig‑heavy rallies, making endurance a critical factor.

Ticket & Access Details

• General admission: $20 (early‑bird) / $25 (standard)
• Group rates: 5+ tickets – 15% discount, perfect for club outings.
• Student pricing: $15 with .edu verification.

Parking: adjacent lot C – $8 flat fee; public transit via CTA Red Line (UIC/Harlem stop).

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Venue Spotlight – Chicago’s Volleyball Hubs

Venue	Seating Capacity	Notable Features	Accessibility
DePaul Alumni Hall	2,500	State‑of‑the‑art LED scoreboard, retractable net system	Wheelchair‑accessible ramps, assistive listening devices
UIC Pavilion	3,200	premium sound system, on‑site food court with local vendors	Elevator access to all levels, family‑friendly restrooms
Chicago Sports & Convention Center (future events)	4,000+	Modular seating, high‑visibility broadcast lighting	Close to O’Hare & Midway, ample bike racks

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Ticket Buying Guide – Quick Steps

1. Visit the official ticket portal (www.archyde.com/events/chicago-volleyball-2026).
2. Select your venue (Alumni Hall or UIC Pavilion).
3. Choose seat category – General, Premium, or VIP.
4. Enter promo code CHIVOL2026 for a 10% early‑bird discount (valid until Jan 31).
5. Complete purchase – receive an e‑ticket with QR code for mobile scanning.

Tip: Add the event to your phone calendar directly from the confirmation email to receive real‑time updates on game time changes or weather alerts.

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Live Streaming & Broadcast Options

• ESPN+ – exclusive U.S. streaming rights; HD quality with multi‑camera angles.
• NCAA.com – free live‑score tracker and audio commentary for fans without a subscription.
• Local TV – WSNS‑Channel 5 (Chicago) will broadcast the BYU‑Ohio State matchup on Sunday at 6 PM CST.

Pro tip: Enable the “dual‑camera” mode on ESPN+ to switch between court‑wide and player‑focused views for a more immersive experience.

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Travel & Accommodation Tips for Fans

• Hotels within 1 mile of venues:
• The Palmer House – historic downtown, rooms from $149/night.
• Hyatt Regency Chicago – modern amenities, free Wi‑Fi, $179/night.
• Transportation:
• CTA Red Line: direct service to both venues (Stadium & UIC/Harlem stops).
• Ride‑share discount code ARCHYDEVOL for $5 off the first trip.
• Dining recommendations near DePaul Alumni Hall:
• Café Ba-Ba – tapas & craft beer, $15‑$25 per person.
• Kuma’s corner – heavy metal‑themed burgers, perfect pre‑match fuel.

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What to Expect – Game Atmosphere & Fan Traditions

• “Spike the Wave” – a coordinated hand‑wave performed by the home crowd during the third set break, amplifying crowd energy.
• Pep rally before UCLA match: UCLA’s marching band leads a “Bruin Pride” chant on the court steps.
• BYU “Cougar Howl” – fans chant the “Howl” after every point scored by the Cougars,creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents.

Insider tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good spot for the pre‑game warm‑ups; many fans enjoy watching the teams’ dynamic stretching routines and team huddles.

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Practical Tips for First‑Time Attendees

1. Dress in layers – indoor arenas can fluctuate between 65°F and 78°F.
2. Bring a portable charger – high‑resolution video replays on the app can drain battery fast.
3. Check the venue’s bag policy – clear backpacks under 12 × 6 × 8 inches are permitted; larger bags might potentially be subject to a $5 checking fee.
4. Hydration – water fountains are available near the concourse; reusable bottle policy encourages sustainable attendance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

question	Answer
Are the matches family‑friendly?	Yes – both venues provide kid‑zone areas, discounted children’s tickets ($10 under 12), and stroller‑friendly entrances.
Can I purchase tickets at the door?	Limited same‑day tickets might potentially be available; it’s recommended to buy online to guarantee seats.
Is ther wheelchair‑accessible seating?	Both venues have designated wheelchair‑accessible sections with companion seats; request during purchase.
Do the venues offer food‑allergy accommodations?	Yes – most concession stands list allergen information; contact venue services for special dietary needs.
What time do doors open?	Doors open 1 hour before tip‑off; early entry allows time for security screening and merchandise browsing.

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