LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University women's volleyball prepares for the University of Indianapolis Invitational this coming weekend, Sept. 8-9. The Bearcats will look to add to the win column for the 2023 season with four games over two days.  

On Friday morning, McKendree faces Ashland University at 8 a.m. Friday's game will mark the third all-time meeting between Bearcats and Eagles as they last met in 2018. The Eagles are 4-0 to start the 2023 season, defeating New Haven (3-1), West Liberty (3-2), Wisconsin-Parkside (3-0), and D'Youville (3-0).  

In the afternoon, the Bearcats take on NCAA Division II newcomer Thomas More University for the first time in school history. The Saints have faced a challenging start to the season with a 0-4 record coming into the tournament.  

Saturday brings two more games for McKendree, starting with an 8 a.m. match against Florida Southern who begin the 2023 season with a 2-0 record. McKendree and Florida Southern will also compete for the first time in women's volleyball history.  

Another new opponent for the Bearcats comes on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. with a match against Northwood University. The Timberwolves sport a 3-1 record after attending Northern Michigan's tournament this past weekend.  

So far this season, McKendree is led in kills by senior outside hitter Brianna Binder (48) while senior opposite side hitter Colleen Preusser tops the digs column (47). Junior setter Amber Williams has amassed 106 total assists for the first three games. Senior middle blocker Lauren McCurley heads the blocking efforts for McKendree with 9.0.  

Click here to find the UIndy tournament page. All games will be streamed by the University of Indianapolis on a pay-per-view basis.