(LEBANON, Ill., March 1) – The McKendree University men's volleyball team fell to Ohio State University, 3-1 on Friday night. The Bearcats are now 6-8 overall and 3-4 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) competition.
Once again, the Bearcats handily defeat their opponent in blocking numbers but it is not enough to defeat the Buckeyes. As a team, McKendree tallied seven total blocks whereas Ohio State only managed two total blocks in the four set match. This is the tenth time this season that the Bearcats have defeated their opponent in the total blocks category in a match.
McKendree gave the Buckeyes trouble in the first set but Ohio State came out on top, 25-23. The Bearcats bounced back strong to defeat Ohio State 25-19 in the second set to even things out at one set a piece per team. McKendree lost some of its footing in the third set and the Buckeyes took advantage, taking the third set 25-18 over the Bearcats. Momentum carried the Buckeyes to victory in set four, 26-24 and in the match, 3-1 over McKendree.
Junior opposite
Zach Schnittker (Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove) led the offensive efforts for the Bearcats with 12 total kills, followed by senior outside hitter
Will Frank (Moro, IL/Edwardsville) who tallied nine total kills, then freshman outside hitter
Brendon Dunn (Sherman Oaks, CA/Notre Dame) rounded out the efforts with seven kills on the night. Freshman setter
Ryan Serrano (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) set up the McKendree offense 33 times throughout the four set match.
Defensive efforts at the net were led by junior middle blocker
Lucas Galifos (Mokena,IL/Lincoln Way East) with five total blocks recorded. Schnittker and Dunn followed, each tallying three total blocks on the night. Frank helped control the back line with eight total digs to lead the defense. Dunn was next with five total digs followed by Serrano who recorded four digs.
The Bearcats will take on Ohio State again on Sunday March 3 for a 2 p.m. EST game in Columbus, Ohio. The next home match for McKendree will take place on March 8 against Quincy University with a 7 p.m. start time.
