LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University men's volleyball took a three-set win over No.11-ranked Ball State University on Friday night in a Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association matchup. The Bearcats improved to 5-4 overall and 2-1 in the MIVA.  

Set one was a fierce battle as McKendree climbed to a gritty 30-28 victory and repeated in the same fashion in set two with a score of 25-23. In set three, the Bearcats continued the momentum, snagging a 25-21 win and the 3-0 match win. The victory marked the first for McKendree over Ball State since 2021. 

As a team, McKendree put down 49 kills to the Cardinals' 35 and popped up 41 digs to Ball State's 34.  

Leading the Bearcats in kills was junior outside hitter Kevin Schuele who tied his career high of 17 kills. Redshirt sophomore Sam Hoskin was also in double digits with a career-high 15 kills and a team-high .480 hitting percentage. Redshirt senior setter Tyler Poulsen tallied a team-high 11 digs for McKendree followed by Schuele with 10. Poulsen and sophomore middle blocker Rolen Lively combined for four blocks. Poulsen delivered 37 assists in the win.  

Coming up, the Bearcats remain at home with two matches against MIVA newcomer Queens University of Charlotte on Feb. 15 and 16.