(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 3)—The McKendree College volleyball team had upset on its mind Tuesday at home against Missouri Baptist University.

 

After dropping the first game, the Bearcats rallied to post a 30-26 victory in game two. McKendree threatened to take a 2-1 lead in the third game, serving for match point on five different occasions. But Missouri Baptist, the No. 6 team in the latest NAIA poll, battled back to win the pivotal third game, then rolled to victory in the fourth game to take the match by a 3-1 count. Missouri Baptist won by scores 30-22, 26-30, 36-34 and 30-17.

 

The loss gives McKendree an overall record of 13-8 and a 4-2 mark in American Midwest Conference play. Missouri Baptist moves to 19-4 on the year and 6-1 in league play.

 

“Our girls really came ready to play tonight,” said McKendree volleyball coach Evelyn Bean. “They really showed a lot of poise in the second game and fed off that momentum into the third game. I’m proud of their effort tonight.”

 

Senior outside hitter Codi Dempster (Poplar Bluff, Mo./Twin Rivers) (Poplar Bluff, Mo./Twin Rivers) led McKendree with 15 kills. She also added 23 digs. Sophomore middle hitter Katelyn Kombrink (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon) (O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon) chipped in with 12 kills and four blocks, while freshman outside hitter Lisa Witte (St. Charles, Mo./St. Charles) (St. Charles, Mo./St. Charles) connected for 11 attacks. Junior setter Allison DeGroot (Highland, Ill./Highland) (Highland, Ill./Highland) had a team-high 43 assists, while junior middle hitter Angie Clark (Charleston, Mo./Charleston) (Charleston, Mo./Charleston) had 10 blocks for the Bearcats.

 

Senior outside hitter Ana Mercado, the 2005 AMC Player of the Year, led Missouri Baptist with 27 kills.

 

McKendree will play host to Harris-Stowe State University in an AMC matchup Wednesday night at 7 p.m.