(Lebanon, Ill., March 2) -- The McKendree University men's volleyball team played a hard-fought match in front of a near sell-out crowd at the Statham Sports Center, falling in four sets at the hands of the #9 Ohio State University Buckeyes. The Bearcats are now 6-9 overall on the season, and 3-4 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association play.

Senior outside hitter Jared Wilcox led the Bearcats offensive attack, recording 11 kills, while junior libero Zach Thompson had a game-high 13 digs for McKendree. Maxime Hervoir and Jake Hanes led the Buckeyes in kills, collecting 20 and 18 respectively.

McKendree got off to a quick start in the first set, opening a 12-8 lead on the Buckeyes. Ohio State rallied to take an 18-17 advantage, before the Bearcats capitalized on their second set point at 26-24.

The Buckeyes started the second set with a 9-1 scoring run, on their way to a 25-15 win, tying the match at 1-1. The third set was more competitive, with the Bearcats coming up just short, falling 25-23. Ohio State controlled the fourth set from the opening serve, prevailing by a score of 25-12, to take the match 3-1.

The Bearcats and Buckeyes will meet for a second straight time tomorrow night at 7 pm inside the Harry M. Statham Sports Center.