(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 13) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team swept Malone University 3-0 to close out Midwest Region Volleyball Crossover play. The Bearcats finished the Crossover this weekend with a 2-1 record and improve to 12-10 overall on the season.

McKendree led the entire first set over the Pioneers and finished with a 25-17 victory. With momentum and an unstoppable offense on their side the Bearcats defeated Malone 25-16 in the second set. Despite a late surge from the Pioneers, McKendree persevered and clinched the sweep with a 25-20 victory over Malone.

The Bearcat had an impressive eight-service aces in the three set match, five of which took place in the third set. Freshman middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper), junior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei), and junior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) lead the offensive efforts for the Bearcats. Gramly had 13 kills in the match, Voss recorded 12, and Marks had 10.

Voss was able to make three straight double doubles on the weekend as she also recorded 18 digs for the Bearcat defense. Other valuable defensive players for McKendree were junior libero Alissa Zeitelhack (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley West) who had 13 digs and sophomore defensive specialist Alex Tinnin (Festus, MO/Festus) who had 10.  At the net defensively for the Bearcats were junior middle blocker Baily Craig (Aurora, NE/Giltner), Marks, and Voss who recorded two total blocks each.

McKendree will return to Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) competition on Friday Oct. 19 to face Quincy University in Quincy, Ill., at 7 p.m.