The No.13 McKendree University men's volleyball team continued its hot start with a 3-1 win over No. 3 Lewis University, Friday evening. The Bearcats improved to 8-0 overall and 7-0 in MIVA play after defeating the Flyers on their home court in four sets (25-21, 19-25, 25-19, 25-22).

Nickie Sanlin's team would start this highly anticipated game with the momentum on its side, opening the first set on a 5-0 run. The Bearcats offense led the way in the first set compiling a hitting percentage of .423 while Lewis opened the night hitting just .138. McKendree's defense was stellar at the net with three blocks enroute to a 25-21 win the first set.

Lewis took control of the second set, making their net presence known out-blocking the visitors 5-1. The Flyers would take the second set 25-19.

The Bearcats found themselves trialing by two mid-way through the third set, but a five-point run would help McKendree regain its lead. A kill by Ethan Carroll (Barrington, IL/Barrington) would seal the deal for the set win, 25-19. The Bearcats' defense did a good job of passing the ball and running their hitters to keep long rallies alive in the fourth set. The Bearcats built up to a four-point margin that the Flyers could not rally back from, and would take the final set 25-22 and the match 3-1.

McKendree finished the match with a .277  hitting percentage and 51 kills. Ethan Carroll (Barrington, IL/Barrington) led the team with 15 kills, while also adding four assists. Both Zach Schnittker (Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove) and Patrick Ross (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) tallied 12 kills apiece. Schnittker added two service aces, three blocks, and 11 digs. Ross had a team-high three service aces, along with eight digs and three blocks. Lucas Galifos (Mokena,IL/Lincoln Way East) led the team with five blocks, adding in two service aces. Ryan Serrano (Phoenix, AZ/Boulder Creek) recorded 41 assists, while Francisco Comas (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley) had 12 digs and three assists on the night.

No.13 McKendree will host No.3 Lewis in their next MIVA matchup on Friday, March 12. First serve is scheduled for 7 pm in the Harry M. Statham Sports Center.