Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois Wesleyan University has climbed to #16 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/TARAFLEX Division III poll, released Tuesday. The team moved up three spots after starting the season with a 3-0 record, securing victories over Earlham, Greenville, and then-#20 Chicago at the Shirk Center. This marks Illinois Wesleyan's best season start since 2021. The Titans received 736 points in the poll and were one of only two teams, along with #11 East Texas Baptist, to rise three positions from the preseason rankings.

Millikin University also appeared in the national rankings at #17, matching Illinois Wesleyan's point total of 736. Millikin faced three nationally ranked opponents last weekend in San Antonio. The Big Blue achieved a four-set win over then-#13 Wisconsin Platteville on Saturday but lost matches to #23 NYU and #10 Trinity on Friday. Their current record stands at 1-2.

North Park University finished last week undefeated at 4-0 and received four points in Tuesday’s poll. The Vikings were among more than three dozen unranked teams that appeared on at least one ballot.

The top nine teams remained unchanged from the previous poll, all holding unbeaten records after opening weekend. Juniata retained its position as #1, earning 74 out of 86 first-place votes.

"IWU raced to a 3-0 start last weekend, collecting wins over Earlham, Greenville and then-#20 Chicago at the Shirk Center. The Titans, off to their best start since 2021, received 736 points in the new poll and joined #11 East Texas Baptist as the only teams to rise three spots from the preseason poll."

"Millikin had 736 points Tuesday for the #17 position in the rankings. MU squared off against three nationally ranked opponents last Friday and Saturday in San Antonio, earning a four-set win over then-#13 Wisconsin Platteville on Saturday. The Big Blue (1-2) dropped matches to #23 NYU and #10 Trinity on Friday."

"North Park went 4-0 last week and received four points on Tuesday. The Vikings were one of more than three dozen unranked squads to appear on at least one ballot."

"The top nine teams in the new rankings – all unbeaten after opening weekend – were unchanged. Juniata is still #1, receiving 74 of 86 first-place votes."