ELMHURST, ILL - The Bluejays started strong but couldn't maintain its momentum, falling 3–1 (25–15, 19–25, 16–25, 16–25) to Monmouth College in non-conference action Saturday evening at R.A. Faganel Hall.

The Bluejays came out firing in the opening set, hitting .355 as a team with 15 kills and just four errors. Paige Belfield paced the offense early, combining with Ashley Clardy and Keely Larson for a trio of kills that sparked a 6–0 run midway through the set. Setter Freddie Temple spread the attack effectively, connecting with Nyah Moustakas for multiple points at the net, and Larson sealed the frame with back-to-back kills for a 25–15 victory.

Monmouth adjusted in the second set, taking advantage of Elmhurst miscues to even the match at 1-1. Despite a 3–0 service run from Alexis Casey and timely kills from Belfield and Moustakas, the Bluejays couldn't overcome a late rally, dropping the set 25–19.

The Scots carried their momentum into the third and fourth sets, holding Elmhurst to a .103 and .259 attack percentage, respectively. Belfield continued to lead the offense with clean swings on the outside, while Clardy, Larson, and Blair Johnson each contributed key points. However, Monmouth's efficient attack and strong serving proved the difference, as the visitors closed out the match 25–16, 25–16.

Belfield led all hitters with 15 kills on a .343 attack percentage, while Johnson and Clardy added nine apiece. Larson finished with seven kills, three total blocks, and an ace, and Moustakas posted six kills on .750 hitting. Temple directed the offense with 40 assists and chipped in seven digs and two aces. Casey anchored the defense with 23 digs and three aces, while Gianna Ptaszek added 13 digs and one ace.

As a team, Elmhurst tallied 50 kills, seven aces, and four total blocks while hitting .209 overall. The Bluejays move to 7–13 on the season and return to CCIW play next week looking to bounce back from the non-conference loss.