BY LAUREN APETZ
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The McKendree Men’s Volleyball team put up a fight against multiple teams over the course of the past few weeks. The Bearcats have taken on two ranked teams in the nation, with one of them being top dog. The Bearcats are definitely working hard on and off the court to be the one feared at the net.
On February 14, their hard work paid off. On the cold Valentine’s Day night, all the spectators dressed in black. The men’s volleyball program won their first home game ever. This victory came against the Culver-
Stockton Wildcats. Wyatt Patterson led the team with 14 kills in the 3-1 victory. Jack Maclean dished out 42 assists while Dustin Borenstein led the team in digs with 11. The following day the Bearcats squared up for round two with the Culver-Stockton Wildcats. The Bearcats would be victorious once again, this time sweeping the Wildcats 3-0. Leaders in that victory were Andy Schnittker with 7 kills and Jack Maclean with 36 assists.
Throughout the season the Bearcats have been working to improve their game. The team that is playing now is not the same team that started off the year. Coach Nickie Sanlin is very proud of where his team is heading and expects big things from these men in the near future. The men’s volleyball program has a current record of 3-13 and has not played any conference matches yet. This season is not about what is in the wins and losses columns, but rather the experience gained on the court. Experience in the college setting is what the program is missing right now, but every game under their belt is another opportunity they have to get better. The Bearcats face a tough schedule playing teams from all over the nation.
