OPENING SERVE
Score: Queens 1 | McKendree 3
Records: Queens (6-8, 1-6 MIVA) | McKendree (7-7, 2-4 MIVA)
Location: Melvin Price Convocation Center | Lebanon,  Ill.
Attendance: 97

THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team opened strong Thursday night but couldn't maintain momentum, falling to No. 14 McKendree in four sets (25-22, 14-25, 22-25, 21-25) in MIVA action. After claiming the opening frame, the Royals were held to a .175 hitting percentage while the Bearcats responded with a .290 mark to secure the conference win. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Queens set the tone early, hitting .316 in the first set with 14 kills against just two errors. A balanced attack and steady serving helped the Royals pull away late for the 25-22 win.

McKendree answered emphatically in the second, erupting for 15 kills on a blistering .438 hitting percentage while limiting Queens to nine kills. The Bearcats evened the match with a 25-14 decision.

Set three was tightly contested, featuring three ties and multiple momentum swings. Queens totaled 14 kills in the frame, including key swings from Chance Shampine and Casey Maas, but McKendree's efficiency proved decisive down the stretch as the Bearcats hit .321 to take the set 25-22.

In the fourth, the Royals struggled to find rhythm, hitting negative (-.034) with six errors. Despite hanging within striking distance for much of the set, McKendree closed on a late push to seal the match with a 25-21 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Chance Shampine led Queens with 12 kills on .290 hitting and added 11 digs.
• Casey Maas finished with eight kills, one service ace, and six digs.
• Nathan Vaupel posted six kills while hitting .308 and added a solo block.
• Caden Ledbetter was efficient in the middle, recording five kills on .385 hitting with two total blocks.
• Setter Charlie Podgorny dished out 26 assists, added two service aces, and tallied 12 digs for a double-double.
• Queens totaled 42 kills and 52 digs in the match, but McKendree countered with 56 kills and 20 total team blocks, led by Sam Hoskin's match-high 14 kills and Rolen Lively's .500 hitting performance.

UP NEXT
Queens will face McKendree for the series finale on Saturday, Feb. 28.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals men's volleyball team on Instagram and Twitter/X to stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.