Grinnell Volleyball Falls to Monmouth in Four Sets Despite Strong Start
MONMOUTH, Illinois — Grinnell College opened Tuesday night’s volleyball match with an impressive first-set victory, but Monmouth College rallied to win the next three sets and claim a 3-1 victory on October 20th.
The Pioneers won the opening set 25-18 before the Fighting Scots responded with victories of 25-14, 25-23, and 25-19 at Glennie Gymnasium.
The loss dropped Grinnell to 8-11 overall and 4-3 in Midwest Conference play. Monmouth improved to 7-13 overall and 4-3 in conference competition.
Grinnell Opens with Strong Offensive Performance
The Pioneers started the match with an effective offensive attack, recording 14 kills and committing just two attack errors in the opening set.
With the score tied 9-9, Grinnell scored four consecutive points to take a 13-9 lead.
Monmouth battled back to tie the score at 16-16, but the Pioneers responded by scoring nine of the final 11 points to secure the 25-18 victory.
Millie Leonard and Keira Sullivan each recorded four kills in the opening set, while Leticia Machado added three.
Grinnell finished the set with a .353 hitting percentage, its highest of the match.
Monmouth Responds in Second Set
The Fighting Scots found their rhythm in the second set, using strong serving and blocking to take control.
Monmouth built a 12-7 advantage before extending its lead to 20-12.
Grinnell struggled offensively, finishing the set with seven kills and seven attack errors.
Monmouth took the second set 25-14, tying the match at one set apiece.
Close Third Set Proves Important
The third set featured several lead changes as both teams battled for control.
Grinnell fell behind 11-6 before putting together a rally to tie the score at 16-16.
The Pioneers later took a 20-17 lead, but Monmouth fought back and moved ahead 22-21.
Grinnell tied the score at 22-22 on a kill by Leonard and again at 23-23 on a kill by Sullivan.
However, Monmouth claimed the final two points, winning 25-23 and taking a 2-1 match advantage.
Leonard and Machado each recorded six kills during the third set.
Fighting Scots Finish Match in Fourth Set
Monmouth maintained its momentum in the fourth set, building a 16-11 lead.
Grinnell responded with four consecutive points, including kills from Charlotte Sigler and Sullivan, cutting the deficit to 16-15.
The Fighting Scots answered by scoring five of the next seven points to move ahead 21-17.
Grinnell could not overcome the deficit, falling 25-19 as Monmouth completed the four-set victory.
Leonard Leads Grinnell Offense
Leonard finished with a match-high 18 kills on 45 attacks. She also contributed seven digs and one serving ace.
Machado added 14 kills, while Sullivan recorded nine kills, 13 digs, and one ace.
Kylie-Ann Smith directed the Pioneers’ offense with 29 assists and contributed 16 digs.
Gracie Lim led Grinnell defensively with 26 digs and added two serving aces.
Sigler finished with five kills, while Paige Lundgren contributed seven assists.
The Pioneers recorded 49 kills, 48 assists, 77 digs, and five serving aces.
Monmouth’s Blocking and Serving Make the Difference
Although Grinnell finished with more kills than Monmouth, the Fighting Scots held significant advantages in blocking and serving.
Monmouth recorded 17 team blocks compared to none for Grinnell.
The Fighting Scots also finished with 13 serving aces, eight more than the Pioneers.
Kaylee Celus led Monmouth with eight serving aces, nine kills, and 15 digs.
Brianna Carden contributed 10 kills, while Melina Teunis played an important role at the net with two solo blocks and nine assisted blocks.
Isa Hughes added 17 assists and four serving aces, while Tyla Mattson finished with 12 assists.
Monmouth recorded 35 kills and committed 12 attack errors, compared to Grinnell’s 49 kills and 27 attack errors.
The match lasted one hour and 41 minutes before an announced crowd of 108 spectators.
The result leaves both teams with identical 4-3 records in Midwest Conference play as they continue their conference schedules.
