The McKendree University women's volleyball team had its second matchup of the season with No.25 University of Southern Indiana Friday evening. The Bearcats started off strong against their top-ranked opponent, but fell to the Screaming Eagles in four sets (28-26, 21-25, 13-25, 21-25).
McKendree came out strong after being off the court for almost two weeks. The Bearcats established an early lead from their consistent serving and aggressive net presence. The Screaming Eagles would fight back to make it a one-point game that would go into extra points. A kill from
Colleen Preusser on the right side would give McKendree the first set, 28-26.
McKendree carried over that same energy to gat an early three-point lead. The Screaming Eagles would quickly close the gap and start a point exchange that would carry through until the final six points of the match. Back-to-back kills would give the Screaming Eagles the match 25-21, and tie the match 1-1.
A stingy Screaming Eagles defense did a good job of keeping the Bearcats' defense on their toes to move around the block. The Screaming Eagles' commanding lead was set early and followed through to take the 25-13 win.
The final set followed the same back-and-forth point exchange, but it was the strong service by the No.25 Southern Indiana that set finally set them apart. In a last stich effort for a run, McKendree fought back from a five- point deficit. A kill from the outside would secure the 25-21 set win for the Screaming Eagles, and the match win 3-1.
The team recorded 41 kills with a .136 hitting percentage.
Maddie Misner led the Bearcats' offense with 11 kills, while both
Brianna Binder and
Colleen Preusser recorded nine apiece. Binder also added three service aces, one block, and 10 digs. Preusser also had one service ace, two assists, and 13 digs.
Gracie Marr recorded 32 assists, with one service ace.
Amanda Tippett led the defense with 15 digs and added two assists.
McKendree will head up to Indianapolis for their final road match of the regular season, against UIndy Saturday afternoon. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 PM the Ruth Lily Fitness Center.
