(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 30)—The McKendree University volleyball team split a pair of matches Saturday during the final day of play at the McKendree Invitational at the Melvin Price Convocation Center. The Bearcats started the day with a five-set victory over Iowa Wesleyan College before being swept by Lindenwood University in the final match of the weekend.

By taking one of two matches, McKendree moves to 24-10 on the season. The Bearcats will have three matches next week to wrap up the 2010 regular season, beginning with a road contest Tuesday at Hannibal-LaGrange College. First serve is set for 7 p.m.

In the first match against Iowa Wesleyan, McKendree rallied to take a 2-1 lead after the third set. However, the Tigers bounced back to grab the fourth set and force the deciding fifth set. The Bearcats took control and held off Iowa Wesleyan, winning the contest by scores of 25-27, 25-9, 25-22, 23-25 and 15-10.

Junior right-side hitter Kaitlyn Kollmann (Collinsville, IL/Metro East Lutheran) (Collinsville, Ill./Metro-East Lutheran) led the way for McKendree with 16 kills. Junior setter Melissa Bayer (Collinsville, IL/Triad) (Collinsville, Ill./Triad) handed out a career-best 50 assists, while junior right-side hitter Melinda Bayer (Collinsville, IL/Triad) (Collinsville, Ill./Triad) contributed five blocks, including three solos. Senior libero Lindsey Gray (Lebanon, Ill./Lebanon) (Lebanon, Ill./Lebanon) registered 24 digs in the victory.

Against Lindenwood, McKendree matched up against the No. 24-ranked team in the latest NAIA poll. The Lions flexed their muscle in the contest, sweeping the Bearcats by scores of 25-10, 25-13 and 25-15.

Kaitlyn Kollmann (Collinsville, IL/Metro East Lutheran) posted a team-high six kills against Lindenwood, while Melissa Bayer (Collinsville, IL/Triad) collected 17 assists. Senior middle hitter Carrie Brickey (St. Louis, Mo./Rosati-Kain) (St. Louis, Mo./Rosati-Kain) chipped in with three blocks, and Lindsey Gray (Lebanon, Ill./Lebanon) handled 10 digs.

McKENDREE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

SATURDAY, OCT. 30 AT LEBANON, IL

Team                            1          2          3           4          5

McKENDREE                25         25        25         23         15

Iowa Wesleyan              27         9          22         25         10

Team                            1          2          3

Lindenwood                   25         25         25

McKENDREE                10         13         15

McKendree is now 24-10 overall