November 2, 1998

The Monmouth College women’s volleyball team wrapped up its regular-season schedule with a convincing performance at the Knox College Invitational Tournament on Saturday in Galesburg. It was the squad’s final action before leaving for Grinnell, Iowa and the Midwest Conference Championship Tournament this weekend. The Fighting Scots won all three of their tournament matches to earn the victory with a perfect 3-0 record.

Monmouth defeated the host Prairie Fire by scores of 15-7, 15-9 and 15-7. It was the third victory over Knox this season in as many matches. The Scots also defeated Eureka three games to one (15-12, 15-4, 13-15, 15-8) and faced their toughest test against Iowa Wesleyan, a match which went the full five games before MC prevailed by scores of 15-7, 10-15, 7-15, 15-13 and 15-13.

Freshman Jaime Jones (LaHarpe,IL/LaHarpe) continued her outstanding rookie season with a solid tournament performance. The 5'10" middle hitter connected for a season-high 25 kills against Eureka and also recorded 10 each in the other two matches. Monmouth’s other frontline hitters also enjoyed success over the weekend, Cathie Osborn (Hartsburg,IL/Hartsburg-Emden) adding 15 kills in the Eureka match and Wendy Erlandson (Kirkwood,IL/Yorkwood) leading the squad with 13 kills against Knox. Senior hitter Michelle Kommer (Monticello,IL/ Monticello) recorded 29 kills over the three matches to add to the Scots’ offensive attack. The Monmouth setters were also busy as juniors Cindy Erlandson (Kirkwood,IL/Yorkwood) and Stacey Kreps (Champaign,IL/ Centennial) posted 57 and 52 assists, respectively, in the three victories.

The Scots will take a 19-10 season record into this weekend’s MWC Championship Tournament at Grinnell. Monmouth, 2-2 in four league divisional matches, will get the #3 South Division seed and will face the #2 team from the North Division in opening-round action on Friday. Monmouth will be shooting for it first 20-win season since 1994, when the Scots finished 21-12.