USI (3-11, 1-5 GLVC) was on the opposite end of an 8-0 run in the opener that propelled the Bearcats to an eight-point win; then found itself facing a 9-0 deficit in a seven-point setback in the second frame.
The Eagles battled back in both stanzas, trimming a 17-9 deficit to five points in the opener before cutting their nine-point deficit to just three points late in the second set.
McKendree (10-3, 5-0 GLVC) jumped out to a 10-3 advantage in the third set and never let USI back in the game as it cruised to the seven-point, match-clinching victory.
Sophomore outside hitter Mikaila Humphrey (Floyd Knobs, Indiana) had 10 kills to lead the Eagles’ attack, while junior setter Erika Peoples (Bloomington, Illinois) had four kills, a .400 attacking percentage, 21 assists, four blocks, three aces and six digs.
Senior libero Shannon Farrell (Munster, Indiana) had 19 digs to lead the Eagles’ back row.
USI returns to action Saturday at 3 p.m. when it travels to Springfield, Illinois, to take on the University of Illinois Springfield.
