LEBANON, Ill. – The King University men's volleyball team started out hot on Friday night at McKendree University, but Bearcat defense slowed the Tornado over the final two sets. McKendree took the nonconference match 3-0.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: McKendree 3, King 0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-17)
LOCATION: Melvin Price Convocation Center; Lebanon, Ill.
RECORDS: King 0-4, McKendree 1-3
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
- Both teams started out hot hitting over .300 in the opening set. However, the Bearcats hit .444 with 15 to edge the Tornado.
- McKendree scored the first two points and didn't relinquish the lead throughout the set.
- King pulled within one numerous times, but couldn't even the tally as the Bearcats extended their lead to as many as four points numerous times.
- A kill from Mason Martindale and a Bryce Pickett ace pulled King within 22-21, but the Bearcats went on to take the set 25-23.
Second Set
- Both offensives cooled down in the second set, but the Bearcats still had the edge, hitting .138 to King's .000.
- King grabbed the lead on a Warren Davis kill and McKendree error, but the Bearcats responded with back-to-back points.
- The Tornado continued to hold the slight advantage until consecutive McKendree points gave the Bearcats a 7-6 lead.
- The King deficit grew to 13-10 before a 5-2 Tornado run highlighted by a Sean Haberthy kill evened the score at 15.
- The tally was tied at 17 for the final time as McKendree scored three straight points and eventually took the set 25-20.
Third Set
- The Tornado offense continued to struggle in the third set while the Bearcats heated up, hitting .324 to end the match.
- Following a King point, McKendree scored seven straight points to take a 7-1 lead.
- The Tornado scored four straight points as a block from Colton Bueter and Pickett pulled King within 17-14.
- However, McKendree responded with four straight points and eventually took the set 25-17.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
FOR THE FOES
- Kyle Wilson led McKendree with 16 kills and nine digs.
- Kevin Schuele followed with six kills.
- Tyler Poulsen handed out 28 assists and eight digs.
UP NEXT
- King stays on the road to face Lindenwood University on Saturday. First serve in St. Charles, Mo. is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (ET).
- McKendree travels to Maryville University (Mo.) on Saturday.
