(Lebanon, Ill., March 22) -- The McKendree University men's volleyball team fought back from two sets down, but ultimately came up short, falling in five sets against the Princeton University Tigers at home on Thursday evening in a non-conference contest. With the loss, the Bearcats fall to 9-11 overall on the season, while the Tigers improve to 8-11.

The Bearcats got the best of the Tigers in kills (70-66) and digs (54-53), but Princeton had four more total blocks and hit an impressive .342 as a team to squeak out the victory. Parker Dixon led the Tigers on offense and defense, putting away 22 kills with 16 digs.

Jared Wilcox and Nolan Rueter combined for 43 of the Bearcats 70 kills on the night, with Wilcox also leading his team in digs, with 12. Senior setter Pasquale Fiduccia collected 58 assists to go with ten digs, while junior libero Zach Thompson dug up 11.

The Bearcats and Tigers will meet again tomorrow night at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center, with the match starting at 7 pm CST.