(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 26) – The McKendree University women's volleyball program fell to the University of Indianapolis 3-1 on Friday despite recording high defensive numbers at the net. The Bearcats are now 14-12 overall on the season and 8-6 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

The Bearcats dropped the opening set 25-19 to the Greyhounds but were able to pick up the 25-20 win with strong team efforts in the second set. Indianapolis answered back in the third and managed a 25-19 victory. The Greyhounds then used that momentum to clinch the 3-1 victory over McKendree with a 25-21 win in the fourth set.

Six Bearcats recorded blocks for the McKendree defense in tonight's match. Freshman middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper) led the way with two solo blocks and three block assists on the night. Junior middle blocker Baily Craig (Aurora, NE/Giltner) was next with four total blocks. Senior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) with two block assists, junior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) with one, freshman right side McKenna Ross (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) with one, and junior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) with three total blocks were also vital players for the Bearcats' defense.

Voss led the back row for McKendree's defense with 18 recorded digs on the night. Junior libero Alissa Zeitelhack (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley West) was next with 15 and sophomore defensive specialist Alex Tinnin (Festus, MO/Festus) followed with 11.

Leading offensive efforts was Voss with 13 kills on the night. Gramly was next with 10 recorded kills and Marks was right behind with nine kills for the Bearcats' offense. Senior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) set up McKendree's offense 43 times throughout the match. The Bearcats also managed five service aces, three coming from Voss, one from sophomore outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X), and one from Tinnin.

McKendree will host its final GLVC match tomorrow against Lewis University at 3 p.m. with Senior Day celebrations taking place before the match begins.