(LEBANON, Ill. – Feb. 4) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team will open its 2021 season with back-to-back games this weekend, with Head Coach
Nickie Sanlin at the helm for the seventh-consecutive season.
McKendree will open their Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) competition with University of Illinois-Springfield on Friday, Feb. 5 at 7:00 PM. They will then travel to Lewis for a 3:00 PM GLVC matchup on Saturday, Feb. 6.
"2021 has thrown collegiate athletics for a loop but these young women have set the expectations for their performance in the GLVC, and I can't wait to go on this journey with them to watch in real time them reach their individual and team goals," said Sanlin. "The GLVC is arguably one of the toughest Division II conferences in the country and the women are ready to step up to the challenge."
The bearcats are hungry for their season to finally start, after finishing last season 14-15 (7-8 in GLVC). This year, Sanlin introduces five new freshman and two transfers to the program.
"I am very ecstatic that our young core brings energy, competitiveness, and attitude to this young Bearcat roster," said Sanlin. "Quite a few of our newcomers will get plenty of court experience this season, and it's exciting as a coach to see them get thrown into the fire and thrive in that environment."
The roster is stacked with talent across all class levels, including key returners that will be essential to the Bearcats' success. Those players include 6'4" middle blocker
Alexandria Muschong (Woodstock, IL/Woodstock), opposite
Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X), setter
Gracie Marr (Castle Rock, CO/Castle View), and 6'1" middle blocker
Hope Gramly (Prosper, TX/Prosper).
"We have sever upperclassmen with a multitude of experience that does not always define your team," said Sanlin.
Muschong recorded 55 kills and a .342 hitting percentage during the 2019 season, and 30 total blocks. Russell was named Lindenwood Challenge and Ferris State Invitational All-Tournament teams; and led the Bearcats last season with 303 kills, while recording 14 service aces, 167 digs, and 52 total blocks. Marr earned 952 assists, 26 service aces, 35 kills, 216 digs, and 50 total blocks during the 2019 season. Gramly collected Second Team All-Conference honors at the conclusion of the 2019 season; and led the Bearcats with 106 total blocks, was second on the team with 228 kills, while recording 36 digs.
"Muschong is juggling the daily life of student teaching, athletics, and being a phenomenal leader uniting this team together. Russell and Marr have returned this spring season stronger, confident, and more focused to set the tone for a challenging GLVC schedule. Gramly has the fire and drive to be a great player, but it is impressive to witness her poise and organization balancing a successful bowling season and bringing that fire back into our gym."
About University of Illinois-Springfield:
Illinois-Springfield is 0-2 (0-2 in GLVC) heading into this week's match, after falling to Southern Indiana in three sets on Saturday. The Prairie Stars are averaging .197 attack percentage with 11.6 kills per set, 1.4 service aces per set, and 2.3 blocks per set. For more information about Illinoi-Springfield, click
here.
About Lewis University:
Lewis is 2-0 (2-0 in GLVC) heading into this weekend's matchup. They defeated Southern Indiana in their season-opener in five sets, and defeated Indianapolis in a three-set sweep on Saturday. Lewis is averaging a .2356 attack percentage with 13.6 kills per set, 1.0 service aces per set, and 2.1 blocks per set. For more information about Lewis, click
here.
With spectators now allowed in attendance, except for essential personnel, the game can be streamed via the GLVC Sports Network. The Official Streaming service for the McKendree University Bearcats.
