(SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 11) – The McKendree University men's volleyball team fell in its final game of the Asics Invitational to tournament host No. 5 UCSB, 3-0. The Bearcats are now 1-2 overall on the season.

McKendree struggled to gain momentum to start the match, giving ample opportunity for the Gauchos attackers. UCSB recorded its highest hitting percentage of the game at .600 in the first set to win 25-19 over the Bearcats.

The second set was more level as McKendree earned a .208 hitting percentage and the Gauchos finished with a .345 hitting percentage, but UCSB still came out on top 25-17. UCSB garnished the momentum and went on to collect the 3-0 sweep over McKendree with a 25-16 win in set three.

For the second consecutive match, sophomore libero Francisco Comas (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley High School) led both teams in digs with seven on the night. In the Bearcats last match against No. 4 Long Beach State, Comas recorded 16 digs to lead the match.

Junior outside hitter Patrick Ross (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) led the Bearcats' offense in total kills with five while junior middle blocker Wyatt Dimke (Ham Lake, MN/Blaine) recorded the best hitting percentage for McKendree at .286. Six other Bearcats were able to tally kills on the night to support the Bearcats' offense as well.

The Bearcats will resume competition with its first home match of the season on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. The Bearcats will take on the Highlanders of New Jersey Institute of Technology.