Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois Wesleyan University’s women’s volleyball team has climbed to 14th in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/TARAFLEX national poll, marking its best start in program history with a 7-0 record. The Titans are one of only 13 ranked teams without a loss this season.

Millikin, Wheaton, and Carthage also received votes in the new poll but remain unranked. Millikin had the second-most points among unranked teams with 78, while Wheaton and Carthage earned 16 and six points respectively. Juniata leads the poll, followed by Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Johns Hopkins, and La Verne.

The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) named Taylor French (Hitter) and Alysa Lawton (Defensive) from Illinois Wesleyan as Student-Athletes of the Week for their roles in the Titans’ unbeaten run. Sarah Harvey (Setter) from North Central was also recognized after guiding her team to an undefeated weekend at the Raider Invite in Milwaukee.

Taylor French set a program record with 28 kills in a five-set match against Earlham on August 29 and was named Most Valuable Player at the SU Invitational. Senior Kannyn Boyd surpassed her 1,000th career dig during that match and leads her team defensively. Junior Sophia Feeney reached her own milestone with a 1,000th career assist against Puget Sound on September 6.

Wheaton began its season with eight straight wins—the best start in school history—and holds an overall record of 8-1. Senior Lacey Higgins became just the tenth player in Wheaton history to reach 2,000 career assists. Graduate student Ashton Major leads the league in hitting percentage (.433), while senior Grace Autry anchors Wheaton's defense.

Carthage is off to a strong start at 5-1 overall and ranks first among CCIW teams in both hitting percentage (.255) and total blocks (49). Junior Kristina Manojlovic leads both categories for kills (104) and points (113). Sophomore Ava Dettwiler is leading Carthage in assists.

North Central has compiled a five-match win streak to move to a 6-2 record. Senior Danni Moser has been key offensively while sophomore Sarah Harvey stands out as setter with an average of ten assists per set—second-best among CCIW players meeting qualifying standards.

North Park started its campaign with seven consecutive wins under head coach Michael Sopocy, who achieved his 100th victory at NPU on September 5. Junior Kendal Britton currently leads all CCIW setters averaging over ten assists per set.

Carroll improved to above .500 after sweeping Wisconsin Lutheran on Wednesday for their fifth win this season. Sophomore Bronwyn Rowse leads Carroll offensively; junior Payton Depies runs the offense as setter; senior Maggie McGough paces defensive efforts.

Augustana posted two sweep victories during opening weekend play at Jacksonville’s Lady Blue Challenge tournament for a current mark of two wins from five matches played so far this year.

Millikin faced three nationally ranked opponents early but managed notable wins including over then #13 Wisconsin-Platteville on August 30. Addison Oyer is Millikin’s offensive leader; Kyra Carothers ranks third conference-wide for blocks per set; Alyssa Frederking is top ten among CCIW setters by assists per set; Kylie Ramirez stands tenth for digs per set.

Elmhurst opened its season at home Thursday night holding one win through eight games so far—a sweep over Pacific Lutheran on September 6 being their highlight result thus far this fall.