(LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 21) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team records its first home Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) sweep against Maryville University, 3-0. The Bearcats improve to 7-7 overall on the season and 3-2 in GLVC play.

McKendree took the first set 25-19 off of a block from sophomore outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) and junior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown). The Bearcats went on a five-point run in the end of set two, which pushed them to a 25-11 victory over the Saints. McKendree used that momentum to overpower Maryville 25-13 in the third set to gather the 3-0 sweep.

The Bearcats dominated defensively at the net with Marks leading the efforts with six total blocks on the night. Freshman middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper) offered strong support with four blocks and junior middle blocker Baily Craig (Aurora, NE/Giltner) held an important presence at the net with three total blocks. Junior libero Alissa Zeitelhack (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley West) led the back line with 11 digs on the night, Junior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) was next with nine digs, and senior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) was right behind her with eight.

Offensive efforts were led by Gramly's nine kills, Voss and Marks were an intimidating force at the net with seven kills each, and Russell had a notable five kills on the night. Melchert put up four kills of her own along with 27 assists in the match. Sophomore outside hitter Alex Tinnin (Festus, MO/Festus) served up two aces against the Saints for the Bearcats.

McKendree's next match will be against the University of Missouri-St. Louis Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Statham Center.