Illinois Wesleyan University and Carroll University have both moved up in the latest D3hoops.com national rankings released Monday. Illinois Wesleyan climbed four spots to No. 13, while Carroll advanced eight positions to No. 16.
In addition to their rise in the D3hoops.com poll, Illinois Wesleyan improved five places to reach No. 20 in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) poll announced Tuesday. Carroll entered the WBCA poll for the first time this season at No. 25.
The recent performance by Illinois Wesleyan contributed to its higher ranking. The Titans secured the Midwest Challenge title at the Shirk Center last weekend, defeating two ranked teams: a 64-53 win over Wisconsin-La Crosse, who was ranked 16th, and a 59-54 victory against No. 15 Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). Illinois Wesleyan now holds a record of 4-2 this season, with four of their six games played against nationally ranked opponents.
Carroll also achieved two wins last week, beating Chicago 73-52 on Tuesday and Ripon College 86-74 on Sunday. Both Chicago and Ripon are receiving votes in the current polls. Carroll has improved its record to 5-2 after winning three consecutive games since November 22.
“IWU toppled 16th-ranked Wisconsin-La Crosse on Saturday afternoon, 64-53, then turned around for a 59-54 triumph over No. 15 WashU on Sunday,” according to the announcement.
