Lebanon, Ill. – In the conference opener for both squads, No. 13 McKendree downed the No. 11 Lewis University men's volleyball team, 3-0, in MIVA action Wednesday night at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center.
With the win, the Bearcats improved to 6-3 while Lewis dipped to 6-4.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Bryce Wetjen and Sam Hoskin led McKendree with 11 kills each while Nathan Flayter contributed a match-high 34 assists and 10 digs. Rolan Lively recorded seven total blocks for the hosts as well. McKendree ended the match hitting at a .272 (41-13-103) compared to .156 (39-22-109) for Lewis.
Cameron Hoying (Columbus, Ohio/St. Francis DeSales) paced Lewis with 11 kills and 10 digs while
Diego Estrada (Ponce, Puerto Rico/Adianez) tied the match-high in assists with 34 and two block solos.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Down 23-21 in the final stages of the first set, the Flyers clawed back as a Preston Fixamer kill sparked a short 3-1 spurt that tied the match, 24-24. Still, the host Bearcats took set one as they used a Rolen Lively kill and Lewis attack error to win the frame, 26-24 and crack open a 1-0 match lead.
Again tied late, this time at 22-22, the Flyers broke the deadlock first as a McKendree service error made it a 23-22 ball game. The host Bearcats had another answer as a Hoskin kill and Lewis attack error propelled McKendree into the lead, 24-23 and forced a Lewis timeout. The Bearcats sealed the set out of the break as Hoskin sent a ball past the Flyers to give McKendree the 25-23 set two win and 2-0 match lead.
McKendree controlled the third set early as they rattled off 13 of the first 17 points of the frame. With their backs against the wall late in the set down 24-19, the Flyers fought back as a Weyerhaueser kill spurned a 5-0 that tied the match, 24-24.
The hosts still had the final say as they used an attack error paired with a service ace to take the third set, 27-25 and win the match.
MATCH NOTES
- Today marked the 24th all-time meeting between the two in-state rivals
- Before today, Lewis last opened MIVA play against McKendree during the 2020 campaign
- Fixamer made the first start of his collegiate career
- Estrada ended the match with eight digs, marking a new season-high
UP NEXT
The Flyers will close out their opening week of MIVA play on Friday at 6 p.m. at Lindenwood.
For the latest news, scores, and updates on Lewis men's volleyball, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @Lewismensvb on Instagram and @LewisMVBall on X.
