The No.10 McKendree University men's volleyball team had its first of two matches with Purdue Fort Wayne Saturday evening. The Bearcats kept it close to the very end, in the 3-0 sweep to the Mastodons (25-23, 25-23, 32-30).

No.10 McKendree and Purdue Fort Wayne were fairly evenly matched in the front row, recording a .387 and .263 hitting percentages, respectively. The Bearcats put up a huge block right from the start, leading 5-1, that proved trouble for the home team. The Mastodons' final three kills helped them take the first set 25-23.  

The Bearcats' confidence was in their ability to slow down the Mastodon's offense with their block. Back-to-back blocks from Patrick Ross, then Wyatt Dimke and Zach Schnittker put the Bearcats up by three, and forced the Mastodons into a timeout to rethink their shot selection. The Mastodons would fight back and take the second set 25-23.

The Bearcats were more successful in finishing the longer rallies to try and boost their confidence and momentum. The score tied on 20 separate occasions with six different lead changes, forcing the match into extra points. A kill followed by a double block were the final two possessions the Mastodons needed for the 32-30 set win, and the 3-0 match sweep.

The Bearcats recorded 38 kills with a .228 hitting percentage, with an 11-4 advantage in blocks. Patrick Ross led his team with 11 kills, with the addition of four blocks and seven digs. Wyatt Dimke also had four blocks, adding in seven kills. Ryan Serrano had four blocks, added in 30 assists, and one service ace. Zach Schnittker led the defense with eight digs.

Nickie Sanlin's team will take the court again against Purdue Fort Wayne on Sunday, Mar. 28 at 2:00 PM in the Gates Sports Center.