GALESBURG, Ill. - Westminster volleyball took one of two matches to open the tournament hosted by Knox College, defeating Knox but falling to Monmouth.
The Blue Jays move to 6-2 on the year after day one of the tournament.
In the first match against Knox, Westminster fell in the first set in a close 25-23 battle, but came back to sweep the final three sets and take a 3-1 win. In the second set, the Blue Jays came charging back, defeating the Prairie Fire 25-13 and never looking back.
The Blue Jays attacked with a balanced approach, with three players recording double-digit kills. Natalie Needy led the team with 19 while Sarah Rivers added 16 and Teresa Becker added 12.
Madisyn Matthews and Jill Reando each earned double-digit assists, while Bridger Ringwald, Erica Schrader, and Micha Frasher led the defense in kills.
In the second set of the day, Westminster took Monmouth to five sets but eventually fell 3-2.
After the Blue Jays took a commanding lead in set one, winning 25-15, Monmouth almost flipped the score in the second game to tie the score at 1-1. Westminster dominated the third set, with the fourth set being the closest of the five with Monmouth winning 25-22. Monmouth took the fifth set 15-10.
Needy and Rivers again led the team in kills in the second match, with Matthews commanding the hitters with 43 assists. Four Blue Jays added double-digit digs including Ringwald, Becker, Frasher, and Schrader.
Westminster continues play in day two of the tournament, facing Olivet and Illinois College Saturday.
