MACOMB, Ill. ? Junior Monique Houston helped lead the Western Illinois volleyball team to a 3-0 (30-15, 30-21, 30-25) victory over Centenary. The Wheeling, Ill., native tallied eight kills, 10 digs, three block assists, and two service aces for the Westerwinds (7-10, 4-2 The Summit League).

“I think today we played with a lot of confidence,” said head coach Kym McKay. “Our hitters have been working on different tempo swings and putting balls at certain spots on the floor. Tonight we worked the ball better than we have all season and Amy [Sauerwein] and Monique [Houston] really did a great job of that.”

Western started game one with a five-point run, with junior Sarah Trimpe at the service line. The Westerwinds kept their point-advantage throughout the game, not allowing the Ladies (1-18, 0-6 Summit League) to get closer than three points.

Centenary came out strong in game two, earning the first three points of the game and holding the lead until Western tied it at seven. Western took the lead for good on the next point on a block by sophomore Erin Frick and Houston and did not allow the Ladies to get closer than two points the rest of the game.

Game three started the same way, as Centenary took an early advantage, leading by as many as four points, before the Westerwinds forced a tie at eight. Houston started an eight-point run for Wetsern at the service line, garnering two services aces during the span. The lead was enough for Western to earn its second-straight victory and the ninth-straight over the Ladies.

The Westerwinds recorded their second highest hitting percentage of the season (.307-41k-6e-114ta) and out-blocked Centenary nine to one to help them to victory. Another key to the win was Western's performance from the service line, as the team tallied a season-high 12 aces, to four by the Ladies.

The Westerwinds continue their home stand Tuesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. against Northern Iowa at Waste Management Court at Western Hall.

“Northern Iowa is going to be a 180 degree turn from tonight,” said McKay. “We are going to use that match to see what is the highest level we can play at.”

Notes: Senior Amy Sauerwein is 11 kills away from joining the 1,000 Kill/1,000 Dig Club at Western...senior Ashley Baker tallied a career-high five service aces in the match.