Women’s volleyball fall to sweet-sixteen qualifying Millikin

Billy Lopatto - Contributing Writer

The Monmouth Scots dropped their home opener in straight sets this past Wednesday to the visiting Millikin Big Blue, who started the season ranked #12 in the nation, and ended last season by advancing all the way down to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Division III tournament.

The Scots put up an impressive fight in all three sets, dropping the first 25-18, the second 25-22, and the third 25-19; however, Millikin dominated all but one aspect of the game. They won the kills battle 46-25, out blocking the Scots 7-4, and led in digs 46-39. Both teams registered six aces each on the night.

Sophomore Kaylee Celus led the Scots both in kills with five and aces with three. Sophomore Melina Teunis led the team in blocks with two, followed by senior Alana Robertson with one. With 12, Robertson also registered the most assists on the team. Junior Zoe Nizzia led the team in digs with 10.

After playing an almost month-long series of road games, the Scots will return to Glennie Gymnasium on Thursday, October 9, to play the Central College Dutch from Pella, Iowa at 5:30 p.m. Conference play kicks off the next day, October 10, with a 7 p.m. first serve versus the Cornell Rams from Mount Vernon, IA.