LOS ANGELES, Cali. – McKendree's #15 ranked men's volleyball team came up short in the 2026 season opener against the #1 ranked UCLA Bruins. The Bearcats fell in three sets to the Bruins with the set scores of 16-25, 18-25, 22-25.
In the first set, UCLA had an early 3-0 run that put them ahead of the Bearcats 3-6. A Bruins' service error would end this small run. After trading points back and forth, UCLA would find themselves on another 3-0 run putting them ahead of McKendree 6-13, with another Bruins' service error ending their run followed by a Bearcats' service error giving the Bruins the ball right back. This led to a 4-0 run by UCLA putting them up 7-17. A block by Will Klimek and Bryce Wetjen would end this run and foster a momentum builder 3-0 run by the Bearcats that was returned by a 3-0 run by the Bruins putting UCLA back up by 10 (10-20) late in the set. McKendree would make one last push with another 3-0 run making the score 15-23, but it was not enough to overcome the Bruins.
The second set, the Bearcats came out to a quick 4-2 lead. The Bruins were quick to answer with a 3-0 run securing the lead at 4-5. From there McKendree kept the score close but never regained the lead after possessing it at 6-5. UCLA finally pulled away with a 4-0 run ended by another Bruins' service error, leaving the score at 21-17. At 18-22, the Bruins went on a 3-0 run to end the set.
McKendree came into the third set hot, with a 3-1 advantage. UCLA responded with a 4-0 run that was ended by another Bruins' service error. A UCLA kill kick started a 3-0 run that put the Bruins up 5-8. McKendree stayed on Bruins' tail but was never able to gain control and take the lead back.
The Bearcats were led offensively by Tyler Tripp with 10 kills, hitting at .250%. Tripp was followed by Wetjen with seven kills and Rolen Lively with four kills, hitting at .571%. Nate Flayter dished out 22 assists and added in two kills. Defensively Yadiel Diaz and Sam Hoskin combined for 10 digs, five each, followed by Flayter with four. Wetjen and Lively combined for six blocks, three each, followed by Tripp with two. McKendree picked up three aces with Jack Morikawa, Tripp, and Hoskin each earning a tally.
Up Next: McKendree will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, at #3 Long Beach State. First serve is set for 9:30 PM CT.
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