(RENSSELAER, IN., October 9)—The McKendree University volleyball team continued its hot streak in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a 3-1 road victory over Saint Joseph's College Friday night in Rensselaer, IN. The Bearcats won by scores of 25-15, 19-25, 28-26, and 25-20.

The Bearcats win improves their record to 12-5 overall and 7-1 in GLVC play.

Sophomore outside hitter Arela Williams (San Diego, CA/LaJolla Country Day) paced the Bearcats notching a double-double with 20 kills and 10 digs. Junior outside hitter Allison Schndeider had another strong performance with 14 kills and 14 digs, while junior middle hitter Sophie Fairman (Staunton, IL/Staunton) put down 16 kills on just 23 attempts for McKendree. Junior setter Aubry Dickmann (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville) and freshman setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) combined for 54 assists for the Bearcats. Dickmann handed out 30 assists, while Melchert helped on 24 along with seven digs. Junior libero Breanna Howe (Mt. Pulaski, IL/Mt. Pulaski) had a match high 18 digs from the back row to aid McKendree defensively.

The Bearcats came out flying in set one as they jumped out to a 9-3 lead before utilizing a 12-3 run to shut down the Pumas. Williams, Schneider, and Fairman each had three kills in the first set for McKendree, while sophomore middle blocker Carissa Lorenz (New Lenox, IL/Lincoln-Way West) added two blocks in the front row to slow Saint Joseph's offense.

Saint Joseph's would prove their worth in set two after falling behind 7-3. The Pumas used a four point run to pull ahead after the match was tied at 12, 13, and 14. The Bearcats traded blows, but could never cut the deficit to less than two points and fell in set two 25-19.

The third set proved to be the turning point in the match, as the teams exchanged seven runs of at least three points forcing an extended set. Two of those runs were used early by the Bearcats as they took 6 of seven points from the Pumas after falling behind 3-1 including three straight kills from Williams. Saint Joseph's would not be outdone as they came marching back with a five point spree of their own. McKendree took three of the next four point, thanks to Fairman who put down all three kills to tie the set at 13. The set continued the back and forth theme with a pair of four point runs from each squad that resulted in the Bearcats pulling ahead 21-19. Back to back kills from the Pumas brought the set to an even 21 and continued to remain within one point until McKendree found themselves down 26-25. The Bearcats rattled off three straight points to win the set including kills from Schneider and Williams.

The momentum was secured and the Bearcats capitalized on what would be the final set of the evening. McKendree took another early 5-1 lead, but Saint Joseph's would not go down without a fight as they rallied to pull within one at 7-6. The Bearcats expanded that lead with four straight kills including two from Williams and one from Schneider and sophomore outside hitter Amanda Geiger (Tomball, TX/Concordia Lutheran). McKendree maintained a small lead through the middle stages of the set before a three point run from the Pumas put them ahead 19-18. After exchanging a pair of point the Bearcats finally put the match to rest rallying off six straight kills including two from Schneider and Fairman to clinch the match for McKendree.

The Bearcats return to action Saturday afternoon when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Greyhounds from the University of Indianapolis at 3 p.m. ET.