The Lindenwood men's volleyball team fell in a tough 3-0 loss at McKendree on Thursday night. 

OVERVIEW 
The first set went to the Bearcats 25-19 despite the Lions' diligent efforts to gain the lead. Lindenwood looked to close the gap especially late in the set, with Alex Pappas and Carter Stenmark leading the offensive charge with three kills apiece, which they would look to build off going into the second set.  

The Lions closed in on the Bearcats in the second set, this time falling in a close 25-23 loss. McKendree felt the pressure, calling a timeout late in the set after a huge ace from Phil Swartz to make things 21-22. Errors would follow from both sides, but the Bearcats squeeze by in the end.  

The third set was neck-and-neck the entire time, and the Lions were sharp both offensively and defensively. A.J. Lewis performed exceptionally well, leading the Lions with nine total kills and covering all areas of the court. With things sitting at 24-23 Bearcats, Lindenwood held on for a hard-fought rally, forcing things to 24-24. The Bearcats would score, then the Lions would follow suit, all tied up at 25. In the end, McKendree pushed ahead with a 27-25 victory, taking the third and final set.  

Game leaders for the Lions include Lewis with a stellar 20 kills and a .471 hitting percentage, Connor Sheehan with 33 total set assists and six total digs, Swartz with three service aces, and Kyle Deutschmann with 25 receptions and zero reception errors. 

UP NEXT
The Lions will play their final regular season match against the Lewis Flyers on Saturday at 5:00 pm in Romeoville, Illinois.