Box Score (LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 5) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team fell to Wayne State University, 3-1 in its 2019 season opener at the Ferris State Invitational in Big Rapids, Mich., on Thursday despite impressive comeback efforts late in the match.

The Bearcats progressed their performance in each set but it was not enough to overpower and collect the comeback win against the Warriors. McKendree dropped the first set 25-19 and then lost the second set 25-21. With more confidence and team unity, the Bearcats defeated Wayne State in the third set 25-22, forcing a fourth set. McKendree battled to the very end, making the Warriors work to collect a 30-28 win in the fourth to take the match, 3-1.

Freshmen outside hitter Maddie Misner (Carbondale, IL/Carbondale) and libero Amanda Tippett (O'Fallon, MO./St. Dominic ) shined in their debuts for the Bearcats. Misner led the offense with 15 kills while Tippett was a prominent defender for McKendree with 15 digs. Junior Gracie Marr (Castle Rock, CO/Castle View) also put up impressive numbers for her first game at the helm of the Bearcat offense, recording 39 assists and 10 digs.

As a team, McKendree dominated the Warrior in total blocks. The Bearcats earned 9, seven of which senior middle blocker Megan Marks (Colgate, WI/Germantown) was a part of, while Wayne State only tallied three total blocks. Sophomore middle blocker Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper) and senior outside hitter Kelly Voss (St. Rose, IL/Mater Dei) were also a pivotal part of the Bearcat comeback efforts. Gramly recorded eight kills, nine digs, and four block assists while Voss tallied nine kills and 12 digs.

The Bearcats will be back in action again on Sept. 6 with two matches in the Ferris State Invitational. The first is set to begin at 2 p.m. ET against Gannon and the second will be at 6:30 p.m. ET against tournament host, Ferris State.