(LEBANON, Ill., March 28) – The McKendree University men's volleyball team fell to No. 11 Loyola University Chicago, 3-0 on Friday night. The Bearcats are now 11-10 overall on the season and 6-5 in Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) competition.

Despite dropping the match in a 3-0 decision, McKendree outnumbered the Ramblers in total blocks 10-5, proving once again to be a powerhouse defense at the net. Four Bearcats recorded four total blocks on the night to lead the defense. Sophomore middle blocker Wyatt Dimke (Ham Lake, MN/Blaine), junior middle blocker Lucas Galifos (Mokena,IL/Lincoln Way East), and sophomore outside hitter Ethan Carroll (Barrington, IL/Barrington) all recorded four block assists while freshman setter Ryan Serrano (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) tallied the only solo block of the night for both teams and three block assists.

McKendree pushed set one into extra points putting large amounts of pressure on the Ramblers but weren't able to overpower Loyola as the Bearcats fell, 26-24. From there, the Ramblers used the momentum to take both the second and third sets over McKendree, set two 25-19 and then set three 25-13.

Offensive leaders for the Bearcats were Carroll, junior opposite Zach Schnittker (Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove), and freshman outside hitter Brendon Dunn (Sherman Oaks, CA/Notre Dame). Carroll tallied nine total kills, Schnittker was next with six, and Dunn was close behind with five total kills. Dimke obtained the highest hitting percentage on the team going four for eight on the attack to earn a .500%.

Defensive leaders for McKendree were Schnittker and senior libero Zach Thompson (Defiance, MO/Francis Howell). Schnittker led the way with eight total digs while Thompson recorded seven.

The Bearcats will be back in action tomorrow, Friday March 29, with a match against No. 8 Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., starting at 7 p.m.