September 21, 1998

Monmouth,IL -- The Monmouth College women’s volleyball team staked an early claim as serious Midwest Conference contenders with an impressive four-game victory over Lake Forest College at Glennie Gymnasium on Friday night. The Scots defeated the defending MWC champions by ripping off three straight game victories with a tenacious defense and a balanced offensive performance. It was the first conference match of the season for both teams and the victory improves the Scots’ season mark to 8-2.

Former Monmouth standout Kari Shimmin pulled off a huge win in her first MWC match as head coach. After the Scots dropped the first game 6-15 the women rebounded to take the next three games by scores of 15-10, 15-13 and 15-11. "Our setters pushed the ball to both sides of the court and the outside hitters hit the line very consistently," said Shimmin. "Defense pulled us through tonight. It was a big win for us to beat Lake Forest at home."

The defense indeed came through in the match. Monmouth recorded 92 digs in the four games with sophomore Cathie Osborn (Hartsburg,IL/Hartsburg-Emden) posting a team-high 30 and senior Michelle Kommer (Monticello,IL/Monticello) adding 22. Kommer’s 13 kills led the squad and setter Cindy Erlandson (Kirkwood,IL/Yorkwood) dished out 16 assists. Wendy Erlandson (Kirkwood,IL/Yorkwood) and freshman Rebecca Lang (Midlothian,IL/Oak Forest) each contributed eight blocks to the Monmouth defensive effort at the net.

The Scots will take a few days off before hosting Millikin in a non-conference match next Thursday night at Glennie Gymnasium. Their next MWC league match will be October 1st at Illinois College. Starting time for the Millikin match is 7:00 PM.