OPENING SERVE
Score: Queens 0 | McKendree 3
Records: Queens (6-9, 1-7 MIVA) | McKendree (8-7, 3-4 MIVA)
Location: Melvin Price Convocation Center (Lebanon, Ill.)
Attendance: 83
THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team dropped the second match of the weekend to McKendree in straight sets (25-22, 25-18, 25-16) Saturday afternoon at the Melvin Price Convocation Center. Despite a competitive opening set, the Royals were unable to slow the Bearcats' offensive attack as McKendree hit .337 for the match.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Queens battled early in the opening frame, recording nine kills on a .162 hitting percentage. Kaden Saurer helped pace the Royals offensively as the set featured one tie and a lead change. However, McKendree used 16 kills in the set to pull away late and secure the 25-22 win.
The Bearcats found their rhythm in the second set, hitting .370 behind 14 kills. Queens matched its first-set kill total with nine and improved its efficiency to .222, but McKendree's balanced attack created separation midway through the frame to take a 25-18 decision and a 2-0 match lead.
In the third set, McKendree was nearly unstoppable offensively, swinging at a .526 clip with 11 kills and just one error. The Royals recorded nine kills but committed six errors, resulting in a .136 hitting percentage as the Bearcats closed out the match, 25-16.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Kaden Saurer led Queens with nine kills on .381 hitting.
- Nathan Vaupel added four kills while hitting .300.
- Casey Maas tallied four kills off the bench, hitting .333.
- Charlie Podgorny dished out 17 assists, while Caleb Williams added four.
- Queens finished the match hitting .174 with 27 kills.
- McKendree was led by Bryce Wetjen's 13 kills and .348 hitting percentage, while Will Klimek hit .500 with seven kills.
UP NEXT
Queens will face Belmont Abbey on the road on March 3.
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.
