Monmouth,IL -- The two leaders of the Midwest Conference South Division squared off at Glenie Gymnasium tonight with Illinois College besting the Monmouth Fighting Scots three games to none. Monmouth (9-10 season, 1-1 MWC South) battled IC throughout the entire match, losing by close scores of 13-15, 12-15 and 11-15. The defending conference champion Lady Blues improve to 9-6 on the season (2-0 MWC South) with the victory.

Monmouth came out fired up in the opening game and jumped out to a quick 6-2 advantage. Illinois then ran off six straight points to take the lead before senior Lynn Utter (Monmouth,IL/HS) rattled off five consecutive service points to make the score 11-8. The Scots run was keyed by two kill points by freshman Cathie Osborn (Hartsburg,IL/Hartsburg-Emden) and another kill by Michelle Kommer (Monticello,IL/ HS) gave Monmouth a 12-10 lead. However, IC stormed back to score 5 of the next 6 points to win the game.

The second game featured several long rallies as neither team could sustain a long offensive run. Illinois would eventually forge a 12-6 lead before the Scots managed to put together a run of their own. Six straight service points by Osborn, coupled with several mishits by IC, tied the game at 12-12 but a crucial long serve gave the ball back to Illinois. The Lady Blues quickly regained their composure and ripped off the final three points of the game on their next serve rotation to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

A point block by sophomore Wendy Erlandson (Kirkwood,IL/Yorkwood) started the third game on the right note for Monmouth but the Scots slipped behind 7-2. Another Monmouth run of seven service points, four by Osborn and three by freshman Krista Shepherd (Knoxville,IL/HS), put the Scots ahead 9-7 but once again MC could not maintain its lead. Illinois scored eight of the final ten points to claim the third game and secure the victory.

Osborn and Utter led the Scots statistically with 7 and 6 kills, respectively. Sophomores Stacey Kreps (Champaign,IL/Central) and Cindy Erlandson (Kirkwood, IL/Yorkwood) split time at setter and each recorded 10 assists in the match. Monmouth coach Mia Smith was optimistic in defeat. AOsborn and Utter played very well tonight, but we should have went to Lynn a little more,@ said Smith. AWe had a solid game plan but missed opportunities in critical situations hurt us tonight. The team effort was very good overall.@

The Scots will hit the road following the college=s fall break weekend for a non-conference match at Millikin University next Wednesday evening before playing their final home contest of the season on October 18 against Lake Forest College.