Published: Monday, August 31, 2009
Updated: Monday, August 31, 2009 11:36 AM CDT

LEBANON, Ill. — The Mineral Area College women’s volleyball team played to within three points of claiming the McKendree Tournament championship before falling to SW Illinois, 22-25, 27-25, 15-13 in the finals on Saturday.

That was the lone setback in an otherwise strong opening weekend for the Lady Cardinals, who swept through four pool matches in straight games despite being hampered with injuries to several key players.

Mineral Area downed host McKendree in the quarterfinal round early on Saturday, and put away Meramec in the semifinals to reach the title match. SW Illinois overcame a 22-18 deficit to force a decisive third game.

The Lady Cardinals (6-1) will begin their home schedule on Wednesday with a pair of split-squad contests against Lindenwood, starting at 6 p.m.

Pool play:

Mineral Area 25-16, 26-24, John A. Logan

Mineral Area 25-18, 25-21, Oakton

Mineral Area 25-17, 25-14, Webster

Mineral Area 25-19, 25-22, John Wood

Championship Bracket:

Mineral Area 25-14, 25-17, McKendree JV

Mineral Area 25-15, 25-20, Meramec

SW Illinois 22-25, 27-25, 15-13, Mineral Area