Romeoville, Ill. - The No. 4 Lewis University women's volleyball team handed McKendree University its first conference loss, as the Flyers emerged victorious with the 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-8 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory over the Bearcats at Neil Carey Arena on Friday (Nov. 3). Lewis is ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Midwest Region, while the Bearcats are second.

Lewis sophomore outside hitter Alexandra Preuss (Elmhurst, Ill./York) collected a career and match-high 19 kills to lead the Flyers, while junior outside hitter Elizabeth Hyland (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield Central) and senior middle hitter Aly Schneider (Granger, Ind./Penn) each picked up 15 kills in the win.

Hyland had a double-double of 15 kills and 12 digs, while redshirt junior setter Abby Becker (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) also had a double-double with a match-high 49 assists and 12 digs.

Lewis sophomore libero Ronni Katarzynski (Winfield, Ill./West Chicago) picked up a match-high 28 digs, while redshirt senior right side hitter Maddie Seliga (St. Louis, Mo./Nerinx Hall) added 17 digs in the win.

With the win, Lewis improves to 24-2 overall and 13-1 in the GLVC, while the Bearcats drop to 19-6 on the campaign and 13-1 in conference play. The match featured 39 tie scores and 14 lead changes.

Lewis recorded a hitting percentage of .193 (60 kills, 25 errors, 181 attacks), while the Bearcats hit .155 (56-28-181). The Flyers, led by eight block assists from sophomore middle hitter Caroline Stefanon (Orland Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg), outblocked McK, 13-4.

Lewis returns to action on Saturday (Nov. 4), as they Flyers welcome Maryville to Neil Carey Arena for a 3 PM first serve.