(Lebanon, Ill., Sept. 28) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team fell to the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) leader, Drury University, 3-0. The Bearcats are now 8-8 overall on the season and 4-3 in GLVC play.

The Bearcats got off to a slow start dropping the first set 25-14. They came out with more energy in the second set but were not able to hold off the strong Panther offense as Drury took the set 25-18. With the momentum on their side the Panthers clinched the sweep with a 25-21 victory over the Bearcats in set three.

Offensive efforts for McKendree were led by freshman middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper) who had 12 kills on the night. Junior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) was next with seven kills and sophomore outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) was close behind with six. Senior setter Morgan Melchert (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon) put up 30 sets in the match.

McKendree's defense was powered by Russell's 12 digs. Melchert was also a strong defensive asset for the Bearcats with 11 digs on the night. At the net for McKendree's defense was Gramly with four total blocks, Marks with three, and junior middle blocker Baily Craig (Aurora, NE/Giltner) also with three total blocks.

The Bearcats will take the court again tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. to face Missouri S&T at home in the Harry Statham Sports Center.