Box Score (LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 21)—The McKendree men's volleyball team won was defeated in three sets Friday at home by Saint Ambrose University. The Fighting Bees swept the best-of-five match by scores of 25-21, 25-17 and 25-14.
 
The Bearcats move to 3-14 overall during their inaugural season of competition. McKendree returns to action Tuesday when it plays host to Lindenwood University at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
 
Freshman outside hitter Andy Schnittker led the balanced attack for McKendree with eight kills. Freshman outside hitter Mike Polizzi added seven kills, while freshman middle blocker Wyatt Patterson (Flossmoor, IL/Homewood-Flossmoor) contributed six attacks. Freshman setter Jack MacLean posted 26 assists, and freshman libero Brice Miller (O'Fallon, IL/Althoff Catholic) handled a team-leading seven digs to anchor the back row.
 
The first set was a see-saw affair with 14 ties and six lead changes. Neither team led by more than one point until the later stages of the set. After a Saint Ambrose attack error helped McKendree pull even one final time at 17-17, the Fighting Bees registered back-to-back points to build a two-point lead. From there, Saint Ambrose scored six of the final eight points to pull ahead and grab a 1-0 lead in the contest.
 
Midway through the second set, Saint Ambrose used a 7-1 run to break a tie and pull out to a 14-8 advantage. McKendree scored the next three points to cut the deficit to 14-11 but would not get any closer the rest of the match. The Fighting Bees took control early in the third set, scoring eight of the first 10 points and slowly pulling away to complete the sweep.
 
Anthony Natalino paced Saint Ambrose (14-2) with match-high totals of nine kills and six blocks. Nick Lynch helped out with a match-high 27 assists for the Fighting Bees.