(LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 14) – Senior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) hit 3,000 career assists making program history as the first Bearcat to make this feat in the 3-0 sweep against William Jewell College.

Melchert's 36 assists on the night brought her grand total career assists to 3,033. She holds the record and has a long season ahead of her to keep adding on.

"I have watched Morgan transition from a fledgling freshman setter trying to find her voice to now, the senior captain that has led this program to two consecutive twenty win seasons," said Nickie Sanlin. "Her work ethic and leadership has been a major key to our success and I'm extremely proud that she is the one and only in the 3000 club. She's grown in to an amazing player, leader, and person before my eyes and this accomplishment is well deserved. Congratulations to our senior captain, Jones."

The Bearcats opened the match with a 25-17 victory over William Jewell in the first set then went on to take the second set 25-22 over the Cardinals. McKendree powered through and got the sweep with a 25-22 win in set three.

Sophomore outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) led the offensive efforts for the Bearcats with 12 kills, Freshman middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper) was next with 10, and junior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) had a notable nine kills on the night.

The back line was held strong with junior libero Alissa Zeitelhack's (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley West) 15 digs. Melchert was also an essential part of the defense with 11 digs in the match. Junior middle blocker Baily Craig (Aurora, NE/Giltner) led the defensive efforts at the net with four blocks. Gramly and Russell each had a factor as well with three blocks each.

McKendree will return to action Saturday at 3 p.m. against Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo.