LEBANON, Ill. -- McKendree University women's volleyball opens its 2026 season on the home court, hosting five out-of-state teams at the McKendree Invitational in the Melvin Price Convocation Center. The Bearcats face Harding University tonight at 7:30 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. game Friday, August 28th. McKendree closes out the weekend with two matches on Saturday with an 11:30 a.m. matchup against University of Montevallo, and a 7:00 p.m. game against Ouachita Baptist University.
McKendree's first opponent, Harding University, had a strong 2025 season, making an appearance in the Great American Conference (GAC) tournament semifinal match, earning all-GAC honors for multiple players. The Lady Bisons finished their season with an overall record of 24-5, with 14 of those wins from conference play. In their last matchup, McKendree swept Harding in 2023 at home.
The Bearcats finished with a 6-21 overall record, with a 4-9 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) record. Head Coach Miranda Rodriguez reloads the 2026 roster with three transfers and three freshmen, in addition to 12 returners.
Some key returners include juniors Avery Guisinger, Lexi Hoffman, and Paige Parant, along with a large group of sophomores including setter Peyton Upgraft, who led the team in assists and service aces, and Madelyn Clarke, who racked 100 season kills and 26 blocks in the 2025 season.
Rodriguez used the portal to her advantage, bringing experience with a 5th year opposite hitter transfer from the University of West Georgia, Mackenzie Yoakum, and two juniors, setter Madison Wojdyla from the University of Central Missouri, and pin hitter Sara Niemburg from John A. Logan College. The three freshman players include outside hitter Reese Distler, outside hitter Delaney Nelson, and middle blocker Ilana Reeder.
With an emphasis on defending their home court for the season, the Bearcats look to secure wins with the new additions to the team, along with seasoned returners that can bring the competition to a higher level.
Admission for the games this weekend will be $10 for general admission, $5 for 65 and older, and $25 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under, as well as students have free admission. All games will be streamed on the GLVC Sports Network.
For more information about the McKendree Invitational, click HERE.
