Over the last few years, the Loyola University men’s basketball team has gotten a lot of national exposure. Meanwhile, the women’s team has quietly been on the rise. On Sunday I ventured to my first Ramblers women’s basketball home game.

In her sixth season as head coach, Kate Achter is leading a resurgence in the Loyola program. Last season, Achter guided the Ramblers to a berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitational, the program’s first post-season appearance. Although early in the season, the Ramblers are off to a hot start at 4–2.

Sam Galanopoulos photo courtesy of Steve Woltmann/Loyola Athletics.

On Sunday the Ramblers beat Miami of Ohio 69–52. After the Ramblers jumped to a 20–10 lead, the game was never really in doubt. Junior guard Sam Galanopoulos, niece of Global Traveler staffer Louie Atsaves, led the way in the first quarter with six points. Sam finished with 11 points, second on the team to Allison Day with 20.

The Ramblers play at Joseph J. Gentile Arena, located on the Loyola campus on the far north side of Chicago. Opened in 1996 and renovated in 2011, “The Joe” is a beautiful 5,000-seat facility with new, huge video boards capturing the game action. The stands were a sea of maroon and gold, and fans loudly supported their team.

Allison Day photo courtesy of Steve Woltmann/Loyola Athletics.

After the game, I got a victory pizza from Giordano’s to take home. It was a deliciously perfect end to the day.

Janae Gonzales photo courtesy of Steve Woltmann/Loyola Athletics.

— John Wroblewski, online writer