(SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Feb. 5) – The McKendree University women's volleyball team opened their Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) season at University of Illinois-Springfield Friday evening. The Bearcats advance to 0-1 (0-1 in GLVC) after being defeated in three sets to the Prairie Stars.

The last time Nickie Sanlin's team was on the court was Nov. 16, 2019. McKendree set high expectations for themselves going into this year, and it showed in their fight and reaction after every point.

-McKendree moved the ball well across the net, registering more kills than their opponent 11-7, but struggled to get around the block in the first set. The Bearcats fell in the first set 15-25.

-The Bearcats continued to struggle with service errors in the second set, trying to break the Prairie Star's effective offense.

-The Bearcats brought out a different energy and execution in the third set to stay within two, the closest set of the match.

-Serving improved immensely in the third set, recording four aces but 12 service errors over the whole game.

-McKendree recorded a .098 hitting percentage for 33 kills on the contest.

Colleen Preusser (St. Charles, MO/Lutheran) led the way for both teams in kills, recording 10. She was followed by Elle Russell (Festus, MO/St. Pius X) who recorded eight, whole Brittany Binder added six. Binder would record the most aces on the night for both teams, with three. Macy Tongate (Towanda, IL/Normal University) would add one ace, along with 14 assists. Alex Tinnin (Festus, MO/Festus) rant he back row with eight digs and also one assist.

McKendree will travel to Romeoville, Ill., and take the court on Saturday, Feb. 6, to face Lewis University. First serve is scheduled for 3:00 PM in the Neil Carey Arena.