(Lebanon, Ill., Nov. 10) -- The McKendree University women's volleyball team outlasted the University of Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars in a battle between the top two teams in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Central Division. With the win, the Bearcats avoided a second straight loss, and improve to 21-7 overall, and 15-2 in conference play. 

Senior outside hitter Arela Williams led the Bearcats in both kills, with 23, and digs, with 21. Another senior, right-side hitter Amanda Geiger, contributed 20 kills and 13 digs. Freshman Elle Russell and junior Morgan Melchert combined for 30 total digs, with Melchert picking up 47 assists on the night. Sophomore Kelly Voss collected 20 digs, while senior middle Carissa Lorenz put down eight total blocks.

The first set was controlled by the Bearcats as they took it 25-20, with Williams and Geiger combining for 11 kills. The next two sets went to the Prairie Stars, 25-19 in the second and 25-22 in the third.

Illinois Springfield scored the first four points of the fourth set, but the McKendree responded with a 9-2 run. The Bearcats seized control of the set, and went on to force a fifth with a dominating 25-16 performance. The Bearcats scored the last five points of the fifth and decisive set to take the match 3-2.

The Bearcats celebrate senior day tomorrow afternoon against the Quincy University Hawks, as they will honor the achievements of Arela Williams, Amanda Geiger, and Carissa Lorenz. It is also the final regular season match for both schools, and it can be seen live online on the GLVC Sports Network.