LEBANON, Ill. -- McKendree women's volleyball took a set from University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) during their home match, alongside a shutout performance from middle blocker Avery Guisinger with a new career high in kills (13), a new season high in blocks (10), and points earned (18).
The Bearcats kept their own in the first two sets, only falling short seven points in the first set and five points in the second. With the momentum McKendree held in the beginning of set play, the defensive effort allowed them to battle with USML's strong offense. UMSL's hitting efficiency squeezed the Tritons to a winning position, with their overall attempts and hitting errors matching the Bearcats. Each team ended with four aces each, and McKendree's net play outperformed UMSL by three blocks.
Guisinger was one block away from matching her career high and sat at the top of the leaderboard in kills-- establishing a new season and career high of 13, followed by middle blocker Ilana Reeder with eight kills. Right side hitter Madelyn Clarke also set a new season high in blocks, earning six for the Bearcats. Defensively, libero Bianca Galaviz and outside hitter Reece Distler earned nine digs, with libero Corinne Leech following closely with eight.
McKendree will close their regular season with a pair of road matches in Kansas City, facing Rockhurst University and William Jewell College Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 respectfully.
