(LEBANON, Ill., Jan. 23) – The McKendree University men's volleyball team is slated to compete in the Lidnenwood Invitational in St. Charles, Mo., Jan. 24-26. The Bearcats will face Grand Canyon University at 1 p.m. on Jan. 24, the University of California, San Diego on Jan. 25 at 1 p.m., and then close out the weekend with a match against Lees-McRae at 10 a.m. on Jan. 26.

Mckendree opened its home 2020 schedule last weekend 2-0 after defeating NJIT in five sets, 3-2 on Friday and then swept Saint Francis, 3-0 on Saturday. Overall on the season, the Bearcats are 3-2.

Senior opposite Zach Schnittker (Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove) leads the team in kills with 49 on the season. Schnittker has also tallied four service aces, 18 digs, and nine total blocks. Junior outside hitter Patrick Ross (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) is also a strong offensive player for the Bearcats with 40 kills. Junior middle blocker Wyatt Dimke (Ham Lake, MN/Blaine) leads the team in hitting percentage with 35 kills on 65 attempts and just six errors for a .446 hitting percentage.

Defensive efforts are led by freshman libero Francisco Comas (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley High School) who has collected 49 total digs on the season. Sophomore setter Ryan Serrano (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) is also an impact player for the Bearcats defense with 34 digs and 13 blocks. Senior middle blocker Lucas Galifos (Mokena,IL/Lincoln Way East) leads the team in total blocks with 16 so far in five games.

The Bearcats will return home for a pair of matches Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. McKendree will face Urbana University on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. and then Tusculum University on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.