Post Game Interview

(LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 11) – The McKendree women's volleyball team defeated the University of Southern Indiana 3-1 in its Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) home opener. The Bearcats improve to 5-6 on the season and 1-1 in GLVC play. 

"We knew going in that USI was a talented team but the women took ownership in their scout and trusted our preparation," said Nickie Sanlin. "I'm very pleased how they rebounded from the weekend and produced on the court tonight."

McKendree started the match strong with a 25-21 victory over Southern Indiana and that momentum lead to a 25-20 win in set two for the Bearcats. The luck fell on the Screaming Eagles side as they took the third set, 26-24 but McKendree came out with vengeance in set four and finished off Southern Indiana, 25-16 to win the match.

Sophomore outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) recorded a season high with 18 kills as she led the Bearcats' offense to victory. Junior outside hitter Kelly Voss' (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) 15 kills also played a large part in the victory. With 8 total blocks, junior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) set a new season high.

The Bearcats defense remained strong against the Screaming Eagles attack attempts. Voss led the efforts with 16 digs and junior libero Alissa Zeitelhack (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley West) was a key contributor with her 15 digs. Russell also played a key defensive role in the match with 13 digs on the night.

McKendree will return to action this weekend on the road as they face William Jewell at 7 p.m. on Friday in Liberty, Mo. and then Rockhurst University on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Kansas City, Mo.