LEBANON, Ill. – McKendree's men's volleyball is set to battle against Penn State in the first matches on the Bearcats' home court for the 2026 season on Friday, Jan. 23rd at 6 PM and Saturday, Jan. 24th at 4 PM.

McKendree has seen the Nittany Lions once before, in 2019, where the Bearcats were bested in three sets.

Entering the weekend 2-2, the Bearcats are led offensively by senior opposite Bryce Wetjen and graduate outside hitter Tyler Tripp, both with 41 kills. Junior setter Nate Flayter sets up McKendree's offense with 136 assists. Defensively, Tripp and redshirt senior outside hitter Sam Hoskin leads the back court, both with 28 digs. At the net, senior middle blocker Rolen Lively dominates with 16 blocks.

The Nittany Lions are coming into this weekend with a 4-0 record. Penn State is led offensively by redshirt sophomore outside hitter/opposite Sean Harvey with 48 kills. Harvey is followed by redshirt junior outside hitter/opposite Matthew Luoma and sophomore middle blocker Gaige Gabriel, both with 28 kills. Senior setter Jaxon Herr orchestrates Penn State's offense with 98 assists. Defensively, redshirt senior libero Ryan Merk is the anchor in the back court with 33 digs. At the net, redshirt senior middle blocker Owen Rose has 18 blocks followed by Gabriel with 15 blocks.
 

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