(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 6) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team fell to the University of Illinois Springfield, 3-0 for its Dig Pink match Saturday. The Bearcats are now 10-9 overall on the season and 6-4 in Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play.

McKendree was neck-and-neck with Illinois Springfield in the first set until it was all tied up at 20-20 and the Prairie Stars managed a three-point run, gained the momentum, and took the set 25-21. The Bearcats remained close on Illinois Springfield's heels throughout the second set but came up just short to the Prairie Stars, 25-23. With momentum on their side Illinois Springfield won the third set 25-11 to defeat the Bearcats 3-0.

Offensively, junior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) led the Bearcats with 14 kills on the night. Junior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) was next with seven kills and freshman middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper) was close behind with six. Senior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) managed 33 assists in the match.

Defensive efforts were led by junior libero Alissa Zeitelhack (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley West) who had 13 digs. Junior outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) and Voss were both key contributors to the Bearcats' defense, Voss with eight digs and Russell with seven. Junior middle blocker Baily Craig (Aurora, NE/Giltner) and Gramly each had three total blocks for McKendree's defense at the net.

The Bearcats will take a break from GLVC action next weekend as they head to Indianapolis for the Midwest Regional Crossover on Oct. 12-13.