(LEBANON, Ill., September 26)—The McKendree University volleyball team dropped a three-set decision
Saturday afternoon at home to Rockhurst University in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match. The visiting Hawks posted the sweep by scores of 25-9, 25-18 and 25-18.

The loss moves the Bearcats to 8-5 on the season and 3-1 in GLVC play.

Sophomore outside hitter Arela Williams (San Diego, CA/LaJolla Country Day) paced the Bearcats with eight kills and seven digs. Junior libero Breanna Howe (Mt. Pulaski, IL/Mt. Pulaski) put up 11 digs and freshman setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) handed out 18 assists for the Bearcats.

The Hawks came out flying in set one as they jumped out to a 12-8 lead before utilizing an 11 point run to shut down the Bearcats. Rockhurst kept rolling in set two as they opened on a 6-1 run. McKendree responded later in the set taking five of six points including four straight kills from junior outside hitter Allison Schneider (St. Louis, MO/Lindbergh) and sophomore outside hitter Amanda Geiger (Tomball, TX/Concordia Lutheran) to trim the Hawks lead to three at 11-8. Rockhurst responded with a four point run of their own, and kept the Bearcats at an arm's length cruising to a seven point win.

Set three was a similar story as the Hawks jumped out in front early 11-5. The play was even down the stretch as each team traded multiple three point runs in a back and forth affair. The Bearcats were not able to make up the early lead as McKendree dropped the final set of the day by seven points.

McKendree continues its home stand next Friday October 2^nd against the University of Southern Indiana in the Statham Center at 7 p.m. The Bearcats will be putting on a gender switch theme where males are encouraged to dress like females and vice versa.