Monmouth spotted North Central the first two sets, but rallied to force a five-set match in the Scots' final match on the opening day of the Loras Invitational.

The Cardinals took the first two sets, 25-17 and 25-20 before the Scots came charging back with 25-20, 25-21 wins in the third and fourth sets. Close throughout, Set 5 went to the wire as the teams were tied at 13-all before North Central posted back-to-back kills to take the match, offsetting a 12-kill performance by the Scots' Ali Gustafson. Monmouth's defense was well-represented as Gustafson, Ashley Farris, Karlie Drish and Renee Rude each had double-digit digs.

The Scots had dropped the opener to host Loras 3-0 as the Scots were unable to get traction in the first match of the day. Rude led the defense with 17 digs in the contest and finished the day with 33.  

Monmouth resumes play Saturday with a 9 a.m. match vs. Dominican before wrapping up the weekend with a 1 p.m. contest against Dubuque.