(St. Louis, MO., Sept. 22)—The McKendree University volleyball team dropped a four-set decision Tuesday night to Missouri Baptist University. The Bearcats dropped to 7-4 after on the road to the Spartans by scores of 24-26, 25-18, 25-17 and 25-19.

McKendree was led by senior right side Taylor Voss (Breese, IL/Breese Central) who paced the Bearcats with 11 kills on 20 attempts for a .450 clip. Junior setter Aubry Dickmann (Edwardsville, IL/Edwardsville) handed out 18 assists and seven digs, while freshman Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) added a double-double with 16 assists and ten digs for the Bearcats.

The Bearcats jumped out in front after taking the first set 26-24, but dropped three straight sets to the Spartans. Missouri Baptists (15-1) was able to prod through some sloppy play as both teams combined for 50 attack errors on the evening. The Spartans were led by senior right side Hannah Carey who tallied a double-double with 13 kills and 13 digs. Junior outside hitter Mallory Dillion put down 18 kills of her own to slow down the Bearcats.

McKendree will look to bounce back into the win column Friday night in their home opener against William Jewell. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center.