(ST. CHARLES, Mo., Sept. 20)  - The McKendree University women's volleyball team defeated Maryville University, 3-0 in its first match of the Lindenwood Challenge in St. Charles, Mo. The Bearcats improve to 4-5 overall on the season.

McKendree put up impressive numbers in the match against the Saints, outscoring Maryville in total kills, team hitting percentage, aces, and total blocks. In the first set, the Bearcats put up 10 kills to the Saints six to defeat them, 25-12. McKendree went on to win the second set 25-18 and the third set 25-15 to earn the 3-0 sweep.

The Bearcats recorded a total of 41 kills in the match compared to the Saints 24 for a total hitting percentage of .355. As a team, McKendree put up its best numbers in the third set recording 14 kills on 23 attempts for a team hitting percentage of .522. McKendree outnumbered Maryville eight service aces to one and in total blocks nine to one.

Senior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) recorded a personal best five total blocks in one set, one solo block and one block assist in the first set of the match. The senior ended the night with eight total blocks in the three set match. Sophomore middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper), junior outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X), and senior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) were also essential in the Bearcats victory. Gramly led the offense with 11 kills, Russell led the defense with 10 digs, and Voss tallied a season best four service aces.

The Bearcats will continue competition Saturday with two matches at the Lindenwood Challenge in St. Charles, Mo. The first match of the day for McKendree will be against the tournament host, Lindenwood, at 10 a.m. followed by a 2 p.m. match against Flagler College.