CHICAGO, Ill. - McKendree University men's volleyball faced No.10-ranked Loyola Chicago this past weekend, falling to the Ramblers in four sets. The Bearcats move to 6-7 overall and 1-5 in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association and return to their home court for another MIVA match this coming weekend against Lewis.  

The Bearcats came out strong in the first set, recording 11 kills for a .207 hitting percentage and posting 4.0 blocks, but fell just short of the Ramblers with a score of 25-23. McKendree controlled the second set, improving to a .414 hitting percentage with 12 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Kevin Schuele delivered four service aces in set two to help push the Bearcats to a 25-21 win.  

Loyola Chicago bounced back for the third set, defeating McKendree 25-21. The Bearcats struggled to strike offensively in the fourth set as the Ramblers posted a score of 25-14 to seal the win.  

Two Bearcats recorded double-digit kills including redshirt junior outside Kyle Wilson and freshman opposite side hitter Bryce Wetjen with 11 kills each. Redshirt senior middle blocker Daniel Duggan led for the second consecutive game in hitting percentage, posting a team-high .800 percent with four kills.  

Defensively, Schuele and graduate student libero Francisco Comas tallied eight digs apiece while Wetjen and freshman middle blocker Rolen Lively controlled the blocks with five each.  

With the win, the Ramblers improved to 13-2 overall and 6-0 in the MIVA for the season. Redshirt senior Cole Schlothauer led Loyola Chiago's offensive efforts with 20 kills. 

Coming up, the Bearcats will be back at home on Friday, March 3 to take on Lewis University at 7 p.m. The McKendree men's volleyball program will also recognize its alumni and celebrate its 10-year anniversary.