(Lebanon, Ill., March 10) -- After suffering four straight losses, all to nationally ranked opponents, the McKendree University men's volleyball team broke that streak on Saturday night, defeating the Saint Francis University Red Flash in a non-conference contest at home. The Bearcats improve to 7-10 overall on the year with the victory, and 2-0 all-time against Saint Francis, who drops to 8-13 this season.

Nolan Rueter (19) and Jared Wilcox (16) both recorded double-digit kills for the Bearcats, with Rueter tying setter Pasquale Fiduccia for the team lead in digs, with 11. Fiduccia contributed 41 assists on the evening, while Wyatt Dimke had a personal season-high seven total blocks.

The Red Flash scored five points in a row to take a 22-16 advantage late in the first set, but the Bearcats responded with a 6-2 run to cut the lead to just two. Saint Francis, however, capitalized on its second set-point opportunity to win the opener, 25-22.

The Bearcats opened the second set earning six of the first nine points, but SFU stormed back to tie the score at 21 all. McKendree ended the second frame on a 4-2 scoring run to even the match at 1-1, thanks to a set clinching kill by senior outside hitter Nolan Rueter.

Finding themselves down 8-6 in the third set, the Red Flash strung together six points, forcing the Bearcats to call a timeout. McKendree fought its way back into the set, and on their third set point they got an ace to seal the deal.

In a must win situation, the Red Flash began the fourth set strong, building a 12-7 lead on the Bearcats. McKendree then scored five points in a row and went on to win the closely contested set 27-25, clinching the four-set victory in front of a home crowd.

The Bearcats will return to Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association action this Thursday, when they host the Lindenwood University Lions at 7 pm.