(LEBANON, Ill., March 21) – The McKendree University men's volleyball team fell to No. 2 University of Hawaii in three straight sets, 3-0 in the Bearcats first match of the BYU Invite on Thursday. McKendree is now 9-9 overall on the season.

The Bearcats had a tough time getting started against the undefeated Rainbow Warriors as they fell to Hawaii, 25-10 in set one. McKendree came out strong in the second set and even sat tied with the Rainbow Warriors at 17-17 but Hawaii proved their top seed skill and came out victorious, 25-19 over the Bearcats. With momentum on their side, the Rainbow Warriors took set three, 25-18 and the match, 3-0.

Freshman outside hitter Brendon Dunn (Sherman Oaks, CA/Notre Dame) shined for the Bearcats throughout the three set match, leading McKendree in both offensive and defensive efforts. Dunn recorded 12 kills with a .320 hitting percentage as well as five total digs. The freshman also tallied one of the Bearcats two service aces in the match.

Sophomore middle blocker Wyatt Dimke (Ham Lake, MN/Blaine) led McKendree defensively at the net with three block assists on the night. Junior opposite Zach Schnittker (Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove) and sophomore outside hitter Patrick Ross (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) were next, each recording two block assists in the match. Ross, Schnittker, and freshman setter Ryan Serrano (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) were also key back row players, each with four digs.

The Bearcats will be back in action at the BYU Invite tomorrow at 7 p.m. MT as they take on the tournament host, No. 8 Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.