(Lebanon, Ill., Oct. 27) -- The McKendree University women's volleyball team improved to 12-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a dominating three-set victory at home against the Maryville University Saints (2-23, 1-11). The Bearcats remain the only undefeated team in conference play, and improve to 18-5 overall on the season with the sweep.

Freshman outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) had an outstanding evening, leading the Bearcats in both kills, with 13, and digs, with 14. Seniors Arela Williams (San Diego, CA/LaJolla Country Day) and Amanda Geiger (Tomball, TX/Concordia Lutheran) combined for 19 total kills and 16 total digs, with Williams hitting .320. Junior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) recorded 29 assists and 12 digs, while the reigning GLVC Defensive Player of the Week, sophomore Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei), contributed 10 digs.

The Bearcats forced a Maryville time-out at 16-8 in the first set, and sailed to a 25-10 win, with Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) putting it away with a kill. The second set started out in similar fashion, with McKendree building a 16-6 advantage over the Saints, and ultimately taking the two set lead. The third and final set was competitive early on, with Maryville and McKendree battling to a 10 all tie. The Bearcats then seized the momentum, ending the third on a 15-4 scoring run, to finish off the sweep of the Saints.

McKendree will continue GLVC play tomorrow on the road against the University of Missouri-St. Louis Tritons at 3 pm. Live coverage is available for online streaming on the GLVC Sports Network.