Illinois Wesleyan University and Carroll University have both moved up in the latest national women’s basketball rankings, maintaining a strong presence for the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) in Division III polls.
The two programs were included in this week’s D3hoops.com Top 25 and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) NCAA Division III Coaches’ Poll. Their rise follows four combined conference wins over the past week.
Illinois Wesleyan remains undefeated in CCIW play and currently leads the conference standings. The Titans are ranked No. 16 by D3hoops.com and No. 18 by the WBCA Coaches’ Poll. In their most recent game, Illinois Wesleyan secured a 77-39 win at North Park on Saturday. Freshman Caitlin Leyden led with 16 points, while senior Sawyer White added 11 points, seven assists, and six steals. The team is scheduled to host Millikin on Wednesday.
Carroll advanced to No. 20 in the D3hoops.com poll and tied for No. 23 in the WBCA rankings after two more conference victories last week. The Pioneers narrowly defeated Elmhurst 88-83 last Wednesday before winning against Millikin with a score of 82-64 on Saturday.
Senior Natalie Gricius posted notable performances, achieving a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds versus Elmhurst, then recording 33 points and 11 rebounds against Millikin. She was named to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week on Tuesday. Julia Lokker contributed with a season-high of 21 points against Elmhurst as well.
Carroll is set to face North Central away on Wednesday.
