(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 13)—The McKendree University volleyball team was defeated in a pair of non-conference matches Saturday at home by Trevecca Nazarene University and Lindenwood University. The Bearcats lost both best-of-five matches in four games.

 

The losses drop McKendree to 17-10 overall. The Bearcats will have six days off until their next competition on Friday, when they will host their third consecutive tri-match. McKendree will take on American Midwest Conference foe Missouri Baptist University at 4 p.m. before meeting Central Methodist University at 8 p.m.

 

McKendree opened up play on Saturday against Trevecca Nazarene. The Bearcats and Trojans split the first two contests before the visiting Trojans pulled in front to take the final two games and the match. Trevecca Nazarene won by scores of 30-20, 26-30, 30-20 and 30-24.

 

Sophomore outside hitter Lisa Witte (St. Charles, Mo./St. Charles) (St. Charles, Mo./St. Charles) led the Bearcats with 14 kills, while sophomore outside hitter Dani Collins (Freeburg, Ill./Freeburg) (Freeburg, Ill./Freeburg) chipped in with 10 kills and three blocks. Senior setter Allison DeGroot (Highland, Ill./Highland) (Highland, Ill./Highland) added a team-high 27 assists along with 18 digs. Senior libero Courtney Aldridge (Dupo, Ill./Dupo) handled a team-leading 22 digs for the Bearcats.

 

In the second match against Lindenwood, McKendree battled its way to a 35-33 win in the first game. However, the Lions quickly rallied and swept the final three games to take the match. Lindenwood posted a victory by scores of 33-35, 30-24, 30-27 and 30-25.

 

Lisa Witte (St. Charles, Mo./St. Charles) once again led the way with 16 kills, while Dani Collins (Freeburg, Ill./Freeburg) posted 12 attacks and junior middle hitter Katelyn Kombrink (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon) (O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon) added 11 kills. Witte also had 15 digs against Lindenwood, while Courtney Aldridge (Dupo, Ill./Dupo) led the team with 23 digs. Allison DeGroot (Highland, Ill./Highland) notched 31 assists as junior setter Dana Maedge (Highland, Ill./Highland) (Highland, Ill./Highland) added 23 sets.

 

 

Trevecca Nazarene         30         26         30         30

McKendree                       20         30         20         24

 

Lindenwood                   33         30         30         30

McKendree                     35         24         27         25

 

McKendree is now 17-10 overall.