Monmouth stumbled out of the gates losing in straight sets to Grinnell College, a team that beat the Scots twice earlier in the season. Grinnell took the first two sets 25-19 and 25-15, with Monmouth posting its best score in the third set tallying 21 points, just shy of forcing a fourth set.

     Host Benedictine showed little mercy against the Scots as well as the Eagles soared past MC, winning in straight sets as well. It was only the second time all year that Monmouth lost two consecutive matches in straight sets. Benedictine made short work of Monmouth in the first set defeating the Scots 25-14. Monmouth made progress in sets two and three, but fell short losing 25-19 and 25-20 respectively.

     The team’s offensive production was sluggish as the team only managed a total of 19 kills during the sweep. "It was a very competitive tournament," said head coach Kari Shimmin. "However, I didn’t like the environment we were playing in. North Central has old facilities and it was much different than what we’re used to playing in. Our goal was to be above .500 when we left the tournament and we knew it would be a tough goal, but it wasn’t unreachable."

     Consequently, any chance of leaving North Central College above .500 was thrown out the window after falling to Benedictine, and on Saturday North Central made sure that MC wouldn’t leave with a winning record as the Cardinals trounced the Scots 3-1. Monmouth lost the first set 25-22, but the Fighting Scots bounced back taking the second set 26-24. However, from there on out it was North Central all the way as the Cardinals won the next two sets 25-16 and 25-17 respectively.

     Sophomore right side hitter/outside hitter Megan Creen led the team with 11 kills, while also managing 17 digs, second only to freshman outside hitter, Chelsey Widdop who led MC with 18 digs.

     To make the already unsuccessful tournament even more painful for the Scots, Wheaton College ended Monmouth’s regular season defeating the Scots in straight sets, while not allowing more than 10 points in any match. Despite the Scots’ season ending struggles, Coach Shimmin still had a handful of compliments for the way her team performed this year.

     "I’m pleased with the development of our freshmen class," said Shimmin. "They have made a lot of contributions and Widdop was named to the All-Tournament Team in our last tournament, which was the third time for her this year."

     With the 2009 season now over Coach Shimmin has her sights set on the opportunities of next season, but she understands the cost of aspiring for success. "We will have to work hard in the offseason to improve our strength, verticals and agility," said Shimmin. "We’d like to have a winning record and make the conference tournament. Both of these goals are reachable."