WARRENSBURG, Mo. – McKendree faced Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Central Missouri in the final day of competition at the Comfort Inn Invitational. The Bearcats battled but fell short, losing both matches 0-3.

In McKendree's match up with the Ouachita Baptist Tigers, they fell 0-3 with the scores of 20-25, 22-25, 16-25. The Bearcats did not have a good offensive match only collecting 33 kills and hitting at a .127 percent as a team. McKendree was led offensively by senior outside hitter Destiny Gray with 7 kills, followed by freshman opposite Avery Wuebbels and freshman outside hitter Maddy Clarke with 6 kills each. Freshman setter Peyton Uptgraft orchestrated the Bearcats offense noting 23 assists. On the defensive end, Ouachita Baptist and McKendree had an even match. The Tigers picked up 55 digs while the Bearcats picked up two less, noting 53 digs on the contest. McKendree's senior libero Ashlyn Berczynski led the way in the back court recording 16 digs. Uptgraft added in 9 digs while Gray included 8. At the net, McKendree recorded 4 blocks collectively adding to their defensive presence. 

The Bearcats ended the Comfort Inn Invitational dropping the match against the hosting Central Missouri Jennies 0-3 with the scores of 10-25, 15-25, 18-25. The Jennies dominated on their homecourt, beating McKendree in every statistical category. The Bearcats struggled to find their footing in this match. Offensively, McKendree was led by Gray with 10 kills. As a team, the Bearcats only recorded 26 kills while hitting at a .122 percent on the contest. Uptgraft dished out 23 assists. Defensively, McKendree noted 42 digs being led by Berczynski with 13 digs. The Bearcats had no defensive presence at the net, recording 0 blocks compared to the Jennies 7 making it difficult for McKendree to turn their defense into offense.

The Comfort Inn Invitation wrapped up the Bearcats tournament play for the season. Next up, McKendree kicks off GLVC play on Sept. 26th with a contest against Southwest Baptist University at 6:00 PM in Bolivar, Missouri. The Bearcats will then continue conference play in Springfield, Missouri as they take on Drury University the following day, Sept. 27th, at 3:00 PM.
 

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