In a game heard on WEZC and at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello was balanced and gritty Thursday night in a three set upset of Champaign St. Thomas More, 25-22, 19-25 and 25-23, in Illini Prairie Conference high school volleyball action Thursday from the Sievers Center at Monticello High School.

Each set was back-and-forth for both sides as Monticello jumped out early in the first set before the Sabres rallied but Monticello was able to keep STM at arm's length and close out the first set win.

The Lady Sages jumped out again in the second set but a big run by the Sabres allowed them to gradually put away the second set.

The third set was back-and-forth. STM never led by more than three but the Sages would draw even before STM would go back up however, late, Monticello was able to benefit from some controversy at the net and get away 22-20 and closed out the upset.

The Sabres uncharacteristically committed a lot of unforced errors and Monticello was able to capatilize throughout the night.

Sophomore libero Mady Melton was terrific neutralizing the big hitters for the STM with 19 digs. She added an ace and assist.

Sophomore Addison Finet was excellent in front of the net all night for Monticello. She had two big blocks, 17 assists, six digs and two aces. 

Sierrah Downey was also terrific in front of the net with seven kills, eight digs, four assists and a block.

Sophomore Ashley Stiverson and Emma Hillard had six kills apiece for the Lady Sages. They too played well at the net as each created opportunities with tips all game. Coach Kim Allison called Stiverson "on fire" and was named the Serv Pro of Piatt/DeWitt Counties player of the game. 

Shelby Smith had six digs and five kills while Callie Darsham added three aces and five digs. Jobi Smith had 12 digs, four kills and three aces for Monticello. 

The Lady Sages improve to 12-4 overall and 2-0 in the Illini Prairie Conference. They host Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond on Monday.