Box Score (INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 10)—The McKendree University volleyball team closed out its 2012 season Saturday with a three-set loss at the University of Indianapolis. The Bearcats were defeated by the host Greyhounds – ranked No. 15 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II rankings – by scores of 25-15, 25-23 and 25-18.
McKendree wraps up the year with an overall record of 15-16. The Bearcats posted a 9-9 record in their first year as members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. McKendree finished in sixth place in the final East Division standings.
A trio of freshman led McKendree offensively in the loss. Middle hitter
Lauren Apetz (Glenwood, FL/DeLand) posted a team-high 13 kills and added three blocks, while outside hitter
Hannah Wessel (Waterloo, IL/Gibault Catholic) contributed 10 kills for the Bearcats. Right-side hitter
Rachel Nelson (Papillion, NE/Papillion-LaVista South) chipped in with six attacks and a team-leading five blocks.
Junior setter
Abby Hanger (Belleville, IL/Belleville West) handed out a team-best 30 assists in the contest, while junior libero
Maddie Kelly (Lake Saint Louis, MO/Timberland) contributed 11 digs for McKendree.
Indianapolis (26-6, 15-3 GLVC) broke open a close first set with a 6-3 burst to push its lead to 17-12. McKendree pulled within 17-14 before the Greyhounds reeled off seven consecutive points to take command. The Bearcats trailed early in the second set until a 5-1 run knotted the set at 12-12. Apetz had two kills during the stretch, including the one that pulled the Bearcats even with the Greyhounds.
The teams continued to trade points until Indianapolis escaped with the two-point win the set. McKendree led by as many as three points early in the third set before the Greyhounds scored seven of eight points to pull out to a 10-7 lead. Indianapolis never trailed again in cruising to the sweep.
Kristina Kerrigan collected a match-high 17 kills to lead Indianapolis. Hailey Brown added 14 attacks, while Meghan Binkerd registered 35 assists for the Greyhounds.