SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - McKendree University women's volleyball began its season on Friday morning with a match against Missouri Western State University. Despite McKendree's early 2-0 lead, the Griffons would push for three straight set wins to overcome the Bearcats 3-2.  

McKendree took set one 25-16, highlighted by two aces and five kills from sophomore outside hitter Destiny Gray. In set two, the Bearcats and Griffons found themselves neck and neck at 25-25. A great defensive effort from junior libero Keely Davis helped keep the ball alive in order for McKendree to triumph for the 27-25 win. The third set saw another close contest between the two teams with a score of 25-23 in favor of Missouri Western State while a challenging offensive fourth set for the Bearcats tied up the series 2-2. A late surge in set five by the Griffons sealed the win for Missouri Western State, 3-2.  

Senior outside hitter Brianna Binder, senior opposite side hitter Colleen Preusser, and junior setter Amber Williams each notched a double-double for the Bearcats. Binder tallied 22 kills and 17 digs, Preusser put down 11 kills and snagged 21 digs, and Williams delivered 43 assists and popped up 11 digs.  

Davis led the defensive efforts for McKendree at a career-high 22 digs. Also in double-digit digs was Gray who crushed her previous career highs, securing 13 digs, nine kills, and a game-high three aces. Senior middle blocker Lauren McCurley accounted for four of the Bearcats' 12 blocks.  

Up next, McKendree women's volleyball continues play in the Capital City Tournament, facing Texas A&M International at 9 a.m. on Saturday followed by a 3 p.m. game against Arkansas Tech.