(ST. CHARLES, Mo., Sept. 21) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team defeated Lindenwood  University, 3-1 and then dropped its second match of the day against Flagler, 3-1 at the Lindenwood Challenge. The Bearcats are now 5-6 overall on the season.

McKendree opened the first match of the day up with two straight set wins, 25-22 and 25-20 against Lindenwood. The Lions managed to force a fourth set with a 25-16 win in the third set. The Bearcats rebounded and won the fourth set battle, 26-24 to collect the 3-1 victory.

In the second match of the day, McKendree started out with immense confidence defeating Flagler, 25-16 in the first set. The Saints regrouped and managed to come out on top, 25-20 in the second set. The momentum remained on Flagler's side throughout the remainder of the match with the Saints winning the third set 25-16 and the fourth set 25-22.

Junior outside hitter Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) led the offense with 30 total kills, 12 in the first match against Lindenwood and 18 in the second match against Flagler. Other impact offense players for the Bearcats were senior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei), sophomore middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper), and freshman outside hitter Maddie Misner (Carbondale, IL/Carbondale). Voss recorded 16 total digs, Gramly tallied 12 kills, and Misner collected 14.

Defensive leaders for the Bearcats were freshman libero Amanda Tippett (O'Fallon, MO./St. Dominic ), Voss, and junior setter Gracie Marr (Castle Rock, CO/Castle View). Tippett recorded a total of 26 digs, Voss was close behind with 25, and Marr was next with 22.

The Bearcats next match will be at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 27 for the first 2019 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) game.