Volleyball looks to strike back at MWC

by Mallory Mulvihill
Sports Editor

The Monmouth College Fighting Scots women's volleyball team took on the Knox College Prairie Fire on Wed. Oct, 26 in hopes to have a shot at winning the MWC title. The game was in the favor of the women as the Prairie Fire had only won three games. The women just had to beat Knox and hope that Beloit beat St. Norbert. Unfortunately, Norbert beat Beloit in three straight sets. The women still have a chance as Norbert plays Carroll on Friday. If Norbert by chance loses to Carroll, the Scots secure home court advantage in the Midwest Conference Tournament on Nov. 4 and 5.

The Scots smothered the Fire in three games: 30-17, 30-18, 30-24. It was the Karissa Murray's night. Not only did she lead the team in kills with 10, but she was honored by her team in the last regular season home game for being the only senior. Although the game only lasted about an hour, there were many good rallies. The women were feeling it as some kills were put down within 12 feet, and the hitters found the open seams in the blocks. All cylinders were running and it was obvious. Kendra James kept adding on to her phenomenal season with 10 more kills. Colleen Wilkin handed out 32 assists in this quick one hour game. The team improved to 19-10 on the season and 7-2 Midwest Conference.

The women also played Grinnell on Fri. Oct, 21. The women swept the Pioneers in three straight: 30-23, 30-19, 30-24. Junior Kari Jefferson had nine kills and three blocks. Wilkin tossed home 40 assists to push her officially over the 1,000 mark as a sophomore. Murray added 12 kills and 11 digs and James contributed with nine.

The women were lucky to travel to Texas over the fall break, Oct. 14-17. The Scots played a fantastic game against Muhlenberg winning: 30-24, 30-10, 30-13. Jefferson contributed five kills on seven tries. James added nine and Jessica Travis had the team high 10 kills with a hitting percentage of .304. Wilkin had 37 assists and nine aces. The Scots then took on a tough Southwestern team who was 20-3 prior to the match against the women. Southwestern won in straight sets despite a valiant effort, especially out of Murray, who had 17 kills and hit .457. James added 12 and both Murray and James had 16 kills. Wilkin had 40 assists and three aces.

On Wed. Oct. 12 the women traveled to Illinois College in a very important match for the Midwest Conference Tournament at the end of the season. The two hours trip was worth while and the Scots pounded IC in another quick three set match: 30-22, 30-16, 30-24. Murray had another impressive performance with 12 kills and Travis added 11. Freshman Crystal Meyers had a good day with 17 digs. Wilkin handed out 39 assists. 

The women travel in Illinois Wesleyan this weekend Oct. 28 and 29. The Scots will take on Washington University out of St. Louis, who is undefeated and currently ranked number one in the nation. Monmouth will also play Wesleyan, Maranatha Baptist, and North Central.