Box Score (LEBANON, Ill., September 23)—The McKendree University volleyball team was handed a three-set sweep Tuesday night by Missouri S & T at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center. The Bearcats were defeated by scores of 25-19, 25-18 and 25-17.
 
McKendree slips to 5-5 overall and will have a few days off before continuing its home stand Friday night when Lewis University comes to Lebanon. First serve for the Great Lakes Valley Conference contest is set for 7 p.m.
 
Freshman outside hitter Arela Williams (San Diego, CA/LaJolla Country Day) put down a team-leading 11 kills for McKendree, while junior right-side hitter Lauren Apetz (Glenwood, FL/DeLand) and sophomore middle hitter Sophie Fairman (Staunton, IL/Staunton) each connected for seven attacks. Senior setter Abby Hanger (Belleville, IL/Belleville West) dished out 10 assists to pace the Bearcats, and sophomore setter Rebecca Nauman (Yorkville, IL/Yorkville) handled nine digs on the back row in the effort.
 
In the first set, McKendree started slowly as Missouri S & T (6-5) reeled off eight of the first nine points of the night. The visiting Miners eventually stretched the margin to 23-9 before the Bearcats fought back. Williams had four kills in a run of seven consecutive points to help McKendree pull within 23-16. Following an attack error that put Missouri S & T on the brink of the set one victory, the Bearcats scored three more times to trim the deficit to 24-19. However, the Miners finally scratched out the final point to claim the first set.
 
The teams were tied 9-9 in the second set when Missouri S & T scored five of the next six points to grab the lead for good at 14-10. The Miners slowly pulled away to build a two-set lead heading into the intermission.
 
There were nine ties and two lead changes in the third set as the squads battled to a 13-13 draw midway through the contest. Missouri S & T scored four of the next five points and were able to complete the sweep of McKendree.
 
Alison Mueller connected for a match-high 12 kills to lead Missouri S & T, while Allie Plunk dished out 18 assists on the night. Jackie Pyles helped out with 16 digs to lead all players for the Miners.
 
McKendree and Missouri S & T will meet one more time during the 2014 regular season. The Bearcats and Miners will square off on Oct. 25 in Rolla, Mo., in a GLVC contest.