Box Score (LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 1)—The McKendree University women's volleyball team nearly overcame a two-set deficit, dropping a hard-fought five-set contest Saturday night at home against Rockhurst University. The visiting Hawks held on to post the victory by scores of 25-23, 25-13, 17-25, 21-25 and 15-12.
 
The loss gives McKendree a 15-11 overall record and 9-6 mark in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. The Bearcats will play host to William Jewell College Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center in another GLVC tilt.
 
Freshman outside hitter Arela Williams (San Diego, CA/LaJolla Country Day) narrowly missed a 20-20 night for McKendree with a team-high 19 kills to go along with 23 digs. Junior right-side hitter Lauren Apetz (Glenwood, FL/DeLand) and senior outside hitter Kelsey Johnson (Aviston, IL/Breese Central) each chipped in with 12 attacks, while sophomore middle hitter Sophie Fairman (Staunton, IL/Staunton) added 10 kills and a team-leading six blocks (two solos) for the Bearcats.
 
In the back row, senior defensive specialist Abby Hanger (Belleville, IL/Belleville West) collected a career-high 33 digs in the effort. Sophomore setter Aubry Dickmann (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville) distributed 31 assists, and sophomore setter Breanna Howe (Mt. Pulaski, IL/Mt. Pulaski) helped out with 26 sets for McKendree.
 
The teams battled back and forth in the first set with Rockhurst holding the lead for the majority of the contest. Late in the set, McKendree reeled off five consecutive points to even things at 22-22. Fairman had two kills during the spurt, including the second one that tied the set. The squads traded points before the Hawks were able to scratch out the final two points and take an early lead in the match.
 
Rockhurst (22-3, 14-2 GLVC) followed up with a 25-13 decision to take a two-set lead over McKendree. Following the intermission, the Bearcats bounced back by leading from start to finish in winning the third set. McKendree scored seven of the first nine points and never looked back. Williams had the hot hand with six kills in the 25-17 victory that started the Bearcats' comeback.
 
McKendree played from behind in the early stages of the fourth set before pulling even at 15-15 on a kill by Williams. After Rockhurst was able to regain a 17-16 advantage, the Bearcats scored the next six points – sparked by attacks from Williams, Apetz and Johnson – to surge in front at 22-17. McKendree was able to fend off a late challenge from the Hawks to force a fifth set.
 
There were five ties and two lead changes in the deciding set. Rockhurst took the lead for good with a 4-0 run for a 9-5 advantage just ahead of a timeout by the Bearcats. McKendree was able to fight off three set points before the Hawks finished off the marathon victory.
 
Preecy Seever put down a match-high 21 kills to lead Rockhurst, while Whitney Kostal handed out 58 assists in the win for the Hawks.