LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University women's volleyball split on the first day of the McKendree Invitational with a win over the University of Illinois-Springfield and a tough five-set match against Maryville University. The Bearcats move to 6-3 on the year and will play two more games on Saturday.
In game one against Maryville, the Bearcats came out hot, securing the first two sets 29-27 and 25-19. The Saints found some momentum in the next two sets with two close wins, 25-21 and 25-20. In the final set that came down to the wire, Maryville slipped away with a 17-15 victory to win the match.
Four Bearcats saw double-digit kills for the match including sophomore outside hitter Destiny Gray (18), senior opposite side hitter Colleen Preusser (14), junior outside hitter Emma McIlhargie (14), and senior middle blocker Claire Diercks (10). On the defensive side, three Bearcats set a new mark for career-high digs: sophomore defensive specialist Ashlyn Berczynski (25), junior setter Amber Williams (23), and junior libero Keely Davis (22). Fifth-year senior outside hitter Maddie Misner chipped in with 14 digs while Williams claimed the lone double-double for McKendree with her 23 digs and 52 assists.
In game two, McKendree secured a four-set win over the Prairie Stars, starting with a dominating 25-9 performance from the Bearcats. Set two went to McKendree 25-19 while UIS claimed set three 25-18. Ultimately, McKendree sealed the victory with a 25-14 set four.
Williams led the way again with a double-double of 43 assists and 12 digs. Gray posted a career-high 19 kills while McIlhargie added 12 kills for the win. Additionally, Davis delivered a career-high five aces.
Along with Williams, three more Bearcats notched double-digit digs include Davis (12), Preusser (11), Berczynski (11). McKendree showed a powerful blocking performance with 15.0 team blocks. Preusser and senior middle blocker Lauren McCurley each accounted for eight assisted blocks.
The McKendree Invitational continues on Saturday as the Bearcats take on Harding University at 9 a.m. and Missouri-St. Louis at 4:30 p.m.
