(LEBANON, Ill., September 11)—The McKendree University women's volleyball team split its first two matches to kick off action in the Rockhurst University Classic in Kansas City, MO. The Bearcats rolled to a three-set sweep over Henderson State University in the Bearcats first match 25-18, 25-11, and 25-22. The Bearcats dropped its second match to Winona State University 23-25, 22-25 and 21-25.
McKendree moves to 4-2 on the season and resumes action with a pair of matches Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. against Oklahoma Baptist University and Wayne State College (NE).
Sophomore outside hitter
Arela Williams (San Diego, CA/LaJolla Country Day) led the Bearcats with 11 kills and eight digs. Junior setter
Aubry Dickmann (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville) had a team high 19 assists along with five digs. Sophomore outside hitter
Amanda Geiger (Tomball, TX/Concordia Lutheran) had an efficient match of her own adding four kills on just five attempts.
The Bearcats were in a back and forth affair early in the first set, there were a total of five ties, and five lead changes until the Bearcats finally took the lead for good at 13-12. McKendree used a 7-2 run to put away the Reddies down the stretch.
The Bearcats capitalized on an 11-1 run to cruise to a 14 point victory in the second-set. The third-set was another exciting contest as the Bearcats jumped out to an early lead before the Henderson used a 9-3 run to cut the lead to 23-21. McKendree was able to keep its composure and close the door for good with a three point win.
McKendree jumped out to an early lead in the first set of the second match against the Warriors. Winona State battled back utilizing a 7-1 run to take a three point edge. The teams traded blows down the stretch including a Bearcat 6-1 run, but the Warriors were able to squeak out a two point win.
The second set was more of the same as McKendree jumped out to an early lead before the Warriors fought back with another run of 6-0 to retake the lead. The Bearcats battled back to tie the set at 18, but Winona battled back to clinch the second set. The third set was a back and forth affair as both teams traded runs. The Bearcats held their own throughout the contest, but couldn't keep pace and fell in three sets.
