Both Monticello and Mt. Zion viewed Thursday night's non-conference tilt at the Sievers Center as a good test for their respective teams and the matchup did not disappoint.

In a game heard on WEZC, the Lady Braves outlasted the Lady Sages in three sets, 22-25, 25-13, and 29-27 in a thrilling girl's volleyball matchup from Monticello.

The Lady Sages got off to a quick start in the first set and withstood several runs by the Lady Braves to jump out front first but Mt. Zion settled down and limited the unforced errors and rolled to a second set win.

The third set was back-and-forth with great passing, hitting and exceptional defense on both sides but the Lady Braves used outlasted the Lady Sages in the final frame to take home the three-set win, their 8th win of the year.

Mt. Zion improved to 8-4 overall.

The Smith sisters for Monticello were stellar. Senior Jobi Smith led the way with nine kills, six digs and three aces while sophomore Shelby Smith also recorded nine kills and a dig.

Sophomore libero Mady Melton had 16 digs, a kill and two assists. Sierra Downey added seven kills and sophomore Addison Finet added 20 assists for the Lady Sages.

Monticello drops to 10-4 overall. They begin Illini Prairie Conference play next Tuesday taking on Paxton-Buckley-Loda.

Hear more Monticello volleyball on WEZC and at dewittdailynews.com next Thursday night when they host Champaign St. Thomas More at 7 pm.