CHARLESTON, WV – McKendree men's volleyball earns their first victory of the 2026 season against the hosting University of Charleston Golden Eagles at day one of the UC Invitational with the set scores of 25-19, 25-23, 27-29, 25-23.

The first set was highlighted by a Bearcat run of five-points at 11-11 that was started by a kill from senior middle blocker Rolen Lively allowing McKendree to pull away from Charleston. Prior to this run, points were traded back and forth to start the set. The Bearcats would go on another run of three points placing them ahead of Charleston 19-13, which was too much for the Golden Eagles to catch up to.

Set two, McKendree started with an early 5-2 lead after a four-point run. After Charleston tied the set at 7-7 with a three-point run, the Bearcats would go on a three-point run of their own to take the lead back at 11-8. The remainder of the set no team would allow the other to go on a run, as points were traded back and forth for the rest of the set. The three-point lead McKendree obtained early in the set was huge in putting the Bearcats up 2-0 in the match.

In the third set, with their backs against the wall, Charleston came out fighting. The Golden Eagles went on a three-point run to take the lead, 8-9, early in the set, and would follow it by another three-point run to go up 11-15 over McKendree. The Bearcats ended up having the advantage and match point at 27-26, but Charleston responded with a three-point run to take the set and extend the match.

In set number four, McKendree went on two runs of three-points early, giving them a 7-4 edge over the Golden Eagles. Charleston would get the deficit to one point with a three-point run, but the Bearcats responded with another three-point run of their own putting the score at 14-10. A Golden Eagles kill would end that run, but McKendree would then go on a four-point run giving them a seven-point lead at 18-11. Charleston would not go away, responding with a three-point run to close the gap to 18-14. The Golden Eagles would find the momentum to earn some back-to-back points but not enough to go on a run and take the control away from McKendree, resulting in the Bearcats taking the set and match.

McKendree's pin hitters were the offensive leaders with redshirt senior outside hitter Sam Hoskin notching 14 kills, followed by senior opposite Bryce Wetjen with 12 kills and graduate outside hitter Tyler Tripp recording 11kills. Lively added in 10 kills as well. Junior Nate Flayter orchestrated the offensive performances noting 46 assists and 3 kills.

On the defense, graduate libero Yadiel Diaz, Hoskin, and Wetjen each picked up nine digs. At the net, Lively lead the way with seven blocks. Flayter and Tripp followed, both recording five blocks.

Up Next: The Bearcats will be back in action with a 1 PM CT match against the University of Mount Olive at day two, Jan. 17th, of the UC Invitational.
 

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