Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 (LEBANON, Ill., Aug. 24) – The McKendree women's volleyball team was defeated by Northern Michigan University and Missouri Western State University on Friday during day one of the Capital Classic Tournament in Springfield, Ill.

In the first match of the day, McKendree faced Northern Michigan University. The Bearcats were defeated in the first set 25-15 and, despite early momentum, lost the second set 25-22. McKendree fought through tough rallies and manage and eight point run to overpower the Wildcats in the third set 33-31 but then came up short in set four, 25-21.

The Bearcats' offense was powered by freshman middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper) who acquired 12 kills and sophomore outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) who had 11. Junior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) and sophomore middle blocker Alexandria Muschong (Woodstock, IL/Woodstock) also played a large role in the Bearcat offense, each with eight kills. Defense was strong with key performances by Russell and junior libero Alissa Zeitelhack (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley West) with 11 digs each. Senior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) was right behind them with 10 digs and put up 34 assists.

In the final match of the day, McKendree battled Missouri Western State University, who received votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division II pre-season poll. The Bearcats went toe-to-toe with the Griffons, but Missouri Western pulled way to take the best-of-five contest by scores of 25-14, 25-15, and 25-20 despite last minute momentum from the Bearcats.

McKendree's offense was led this time by Voss' eight kills. Gramly was next with seven kills and Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) and Russell assisted the team with five kills each. Annika Beal (Belleville, IL/Althoff Catholic) stepped up for the defense with her 11 digs and Zeitelhack was close behind with her eight digs of the match.

The Bearcats will gear up again Saturday with another doubleheader, as they look to rebound and rebuild from day one of Capital Classic play. They will take on Walsh University at 9:00 a.m. and then finish up the tournament against Cedarville University at 3:30 p.m.