The University of Illinois Springfield and McKendree volleyball teams played four even sets on Friday night in Lebanon, Ill., with the two teams separated by just five points. The Bearcats prevailed in more of the close sets though, winning the match by scores of 25-22, 26-24, 24-26, and 25-23.
 
The biggest turning point came in the second set when UIS had a set point at 24-23. The Bearcats responded with three straight points to take a 2-0 lead. The Prairie Stars turned the table in the third set, as McKendree had two match points, but UIS had a 4-0 run to force another set. In the deciding set, UIS had a narrow 20-19 lead late, but McKendree scored five straight to take control of the set.
 
McKendree hit .259 for the night, compared to .155 for the Prairie Stars. Those numbers were influenced by a 19-12 advantage by the Bearcats on blocks.
 
Angela Denney tied a season-high with 21 kills, and had her fifth double-double of 2022 with 15 digs. Eirini Glynou chipped in with 17 kills, and Regan Trueblood had 43 assists. Amanda McConnell led the defense with 20 digs, and Trueblood was in double-figures with 11. Macarena Flores had a team-high four blocks.
 
UIS falls to 5-7 on the season and 1-2 in GLVC play. The Prairie Stars will travel to Indianapolis for an afternoon game on Saturday.