(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 18) – The McKendree University men's volleyball head coach Nickie Sanlin announced the 2020 men's volleyball schedule Monday.

"We have seen a great amount of growth over the past two seasons and look to continue to compete on a national scale," said Sanlin. "The men are entering each practice with the intensity of a conference match, and our staff is placing strong emphasis on discipline, hard work, and effort to be better than we were the day before."

The Bearcats will begin their season at the Asics Invitational hosted by University of California at Santa Barbra where they will face California State University Northridge, the defending two-time NCAA National Champions Long Beach State, and tournament host UCSB. The first home match for McKendree will be on Jan. 17 against New Jersey Institute of Technology at 7 p.m.

"We are eager to kick off the 2020 season with three opponents that finished atop the national rankings in 2019," said Sanlin. "Our competitive non-conference schedule is essential in preparing us for league play in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association."

McKendree's home MIVA conference matches include Lindenwood on Feb. 20, Quincy on Feb. 22, Lewis March 21, Purdue Fort Wayne on March 26, Loyola-Chicago March 28, Ohio State April 2, and Ball State April 4. The match against Lindenwood on Feb. 20 will be played in remembrance of Kirk Jackson (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt West) as the Kirk Jackson (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt West) Memorial Game.

"Last season we lived through the untimely passing of one of our own, Kirk Jackson (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt West)," said Sanlin. "The men showed great strength, love, and persevered through an extremely difficult time. It will be great to remember and honor Kirk and his family with a special match dedicated to his life and legacy."

Postseason competition for the MIVA will begin on April 18 with a quarterfinals match. The semifinals will take place on April 22 with the Championship game following on April 25.

The Bearcats posted their best finish in program history last year with a 13-13 overall record and a 7-7 finish in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Association. Sanlin will be entering her seventh year as head coach of the men's volleyball program, six of which have been MIVA competition, with the 2020 season.

For the full 2020 men's volleyball schedule, click here.