The No.8 McKendree University men's volleyball team closed out its Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) weekend with Loyola Chicago Friday night. The Bearcats fall to 8-3 (7-3 in MIVA) after Loyola takes the two-game series sweep, this time in four sets (25-22, 20-25, 25-17, 25-22).

No.8 McKendree needed to come out with high energy and run their fast-paced offense, to try and split the series with Loyola. The Bearcats put that theory to the test to stop an early 4-0 run by Loyola to stay close. Despite the Bearcats' good blocking efforts to stay with three, Loyola would take the first set, 25-22.

The Bearcats took control from the start of the second set. A kill by Lucas Galifos (Mokena,IL/Lincoln Way East) in the middle, followed by a double block from Ethan Carroll (Barrington, IL/Barrington) and Wyatt Dimke (Ham Lake, MN/Blaine)in the nest rotation, would ignite the Bearcats' confidence. A triple block by Zach Schnittker (Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove), Ryan Serrano (Phoenix, AZ/Boulder Creek) and Galifos would secure the win, 25-20.

The long rallies to open the third set, gave way for the Bearcats to run their offense. Loyola capitalized on a service error, that sparked a 6-0 run. The Bearcats tried for a comeback, but the Ramblers' pin hitters made it hard to get more than a two-point run. A kill from the outside would give Loyola the third set, 25-17.

The Bearcats continued to put up a big block in the fourth set and rack up points form their middle hitters. A string of kills and back-to-back blocks from Evan Gebert (Fort Wayne, IN/Snider) and Galifos would keep their team within one to Loyola early on. The Bearcats fought until the very end for every point. A tool off the block would secure the fourth set for Loyola 25-22, and the match 3-1.

The Bearcats closed out the match with a 16-5 block advantage, along with 35 kills for a .179 hitting percentage. Both Zach Schnittker (Arlington Heights, IL/Buffalo Grove) and Lucas Galifos (Mokena,IL/Lincoln Way East) recorded eight kills apiece. Galifos led both teams with nine blocks, and adding one service ace. Wyatt Dimke (Ham Lake, MN/Blaine) was right behind with five blocks and six kills. Patrick Ross (Anthem, AZ/Boulder Creek) led the defense with eight digs, along with one service ace and five blocks. Ryan Serrano (Phoenix, AZ/Boulder Creek) recorded 29 assists, along with seven digs.

Nickie Sanlin's team and her team will head to Fort Wayne, Ind., for a two-game MIVA matchup with Purdue Fort Wayne. The Bearcats will face the Mastodons in Arnie Ball Court, Mar. 27 and 28.