A couple weeks ago, I was happy to take my usual seat courtside at Gentile Arena for the Loyola Ramblers women’s basketball team home opener. I always look forward to this season, as soon as Loyola’s softball season ends.

The Ramblers started with a win in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, Thursday’s game was a rough 55–46 loss to Green Bay. The Ramblers played a solid first half, trailing only by one point heading into the third quarter. Then it got ugly, as the Phoenix dominated with a 20–5 run. Showing grit, the Ramblers fought hard in the fourth quarter, but ultimately the deficit was too much to overcome.

Immediately after the game, as usual, Loyola coach Allison Guth spoke to the crowd. This time she was a bit more animated, expressing her displeasure in the third quarter. Always positive, coach Guth promised better times. She repeated that in our conversation in her office.

This is a big year for the team and Guth. In her fourth year, she is coming off a 13–17 season. She has more first-year players (three) than seniors and grad students (two), but that also means most of the players are her recruits. This is more her team than the previous ones. I have liked and respected Guth since her introductory press conference.

On my way out, I briefly chatted with first-year forward Nevaeh Dickman. Highly recruited, Dickman looks to be a major part of the team.

Gentile Arena always has a lively vibe. It is one of my favorite collegiate sports venues.

Prior to the game, I enjoyed pizza from nearby J.B. Alberto’s. A local favorite since 1965, they are known for their giant 24-inch pizza. That’s 452.39 square inches of deliciousness. While I didn’t tackle that monster (although I was tempted), I totally enjoyed a smaller version..

Since then, the Ramblers have struggled a bit. losing the next four games to stand at 1-5. The Ramblers bounced back with a victory over crosstown rival DePaul to go into the Thanksgiving break with a win and a 2-5 record.

© Loyola University Athletics

— John Wroblewski, online writer