(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 9)—The McKendree University volleyball team opened American Midwest Conference Tournament play with a three-set sweep Tuesday at home against Park University. The Bearcats cruised to victory in the first two sets, 25-17 and 25-18, before rallying to win the third set and the match, 25-23.

The victory puts gives McKendree, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, a spot in the AMC Tournament semifinals on Thursday. The Bearcats will head to St. Louis to take on second-seeded Missouri Baptist University at 7 p.m. McKendree improves to 27-11 overall, marking the Bearcats' highest win total since a 28-17 campaign back in 2000.

Senior outside hitter Tara Ryterski (Nashville, Ill./Nashville) (Nashville, Ill./Nashville) had 10 kills to lead the offensive attack for McKendree. Junior right-side hitter Kaitlyn Kollmann (Collinsville, IL/Metro East Lutheran) (Collinsville, Ill./Metro-East Lutheran), junior right-side hitter Melinda Bayer (Collinsville, IL/Triad) (Collinsville, Ill./Triad) and senior middle hitter Carrie Brickey (St. Louis, Mo./Rosati-Kain) (St. Louis, Mo./Rosati-Kain) each connected for seven kills.

Senior setter Alyssa Speckhals (Hermann, Mo./Hermann) (Hermann, Mo./Hermann) handed out a team-high 20 assists as junior setter Melissa Bayer (Collinsville, IL/Triad) (Collinsville, Ill./Triad) added 13 sets. Senior libero Lindsey Gray (Lebanon, Ill./Lebanon) (Lebanon, Ill./Lebanon) chipped in with 10 digs and three service aces in the victory.

Park received a match-high 11 kills from Gabriela Garcia, while Allie Nichols registered 16 assists and Vanessa Lawrenz had 21 digs. The Pirates close out their 2010 season with a record of 19-13.

McKENDREE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

TUESDAY, NOV. 9 AT LEBANON, IL

Team                            1          2          3

McKENDREE                25         25         25

Park                             17         18         13

McKendree is now 27-11 overall