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It wasn’t pretty at times offensively, but Lindenwood found a way to win.
Lindenwood overcame hitting less than .100 in each of the first two games to sweep No. 18 McKendree 25-21, 32-30, 25-23 on Wednesday in St. Charles, Missouri.
The Lions en route to the home conference victory out-hit the Bearcats .162 to .141 highlighted with a match-best .440 attack percentage in the final game. This was the lowest attack percentage in a win this season for Lindenwood, which entered the match in the nation’s top 20 hitting.302.
Outside attacker AJ Lewis ended with a match-high 13 kills to help Lindenwood (9-11, 4-7 MIVA) end a two-match losing streak and move within a match of sixth place in the MIVA.
Opposite Ian Schuller contributed nine kills, including the game-winning kill in the second-game overtime.
McKendree (13-8, 7-5 MIVA) forced the second-game overtime after rallying from a 23-19 deficit. Lindenwood, though, rebounded from the McKendree comeback and fought off two game-points before winning the 14-point overtime.
McKendree in the loss finished with 12 blocks – four more blocks than Lindenwood. Nathan Flayter led all players with six blocks, while setter Tyler Poulsen added three blocks.
Along with blocking performance, Flayter had both a team-high nine kills and 10 digs.
Schuller defensively had a match-high 13 digs.
McKendree with this loss moves three matches back of first-place No. 12/10 Ball State and one match behind third-place No. 10 Ohio State. However, the Bearcats remain in fourth place in the MIVA and have a one-match lead ahead of No. 14 Lewis.
The top four teams in the MIVA earn home court for the conference tournament quarterfinals in April.