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The newest member of the MIVA will play its inaugural conference match versus one of the most storied programs in college men’s volleyball.
McKendree announced recently that it will open conference play during the upcoming season on the road with a two-match series against Ohio State on Jan. 3-4.
McKendree joins the MIVA after being an independent team last season in the program’s inaugural year. The NCAA Division II school also becomes the fourth team from Illinois to earn membership to the MIVA.
The Bearcats ended the 2014 season at 8-23, including going 0-8 against MIVA teams in non-conference play. In addition, McKendree has all its starters returning from last year’s team that was primarily comprised of freshmen.
This is the second time in recent years that the Buckeyes, a charter member of the conference dating back to 1961, have played a school making their MIVA debut. Ohio State on the road defeated Lindenwood in its conference debut in 2013.
Ohio State finished last season in fifth place in the MIVA and for the second consecutive year lost in the conference tournament quarterfinals.
The Buckeyes, though, have two starters returning after earring Freshmen All-American honors. Christy Blough was one of two setters selected to the Off the Block/Springbak, Inc. Freshmen All-American Team and middle attacker Driss Guessous was named the AVCA National Newcomer of the Year.