(Romeoville, Ill., Feb. 24) -- McKendree University men's volleyball dropped a four-set decision to the #9 nationally ranked Lewis University Flyers in Romeoville, IL on Saturday evening. With the loss, the Bearcats now stand at 6-8 overall on the season, and are 3-3 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association action.

Senior outside hitter Nolan Rueter recorded a team-high 13 kills and five digs, while red-shirt freshman Ethan Carroll had ten kills and four digs on the night. Senior setter Pasquale Fiduccia contributed 34 assists, and middle hitter Brendan Schmidt (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt West) earned five kills and four total blocks.

The Flyers ended the first on a 7-2 scoring run, taking the set in convincing fashion, 25-16. McKendree responded in the second, as Rueter collected six kills in the set to guide the Bearcats to a 25-22 win.

Lewis opened the third by doubling-up the Bearcats at 12-6, a lead that they never relinquished on their way to a set victory and a 2-1 lead in the match. The Flyers then carried that momentum into the fourth set, as they put away McKendree by a score of 25-16.

The Bearcats will host the two-time defending national champion Ohio State University Buckeyes for two matches next weekend.