Dupage Policy Journal

The College Conference of Wisconsin and Illinois (CCIW) women's volleyball season continues with Illinois Wesleyan maintaining an undefeated record of 12-0 overall and a 2-0 start in conference play. North Central follows closely with a 12-3 overall record and also holds a 2-0 mark in CCIW games. North Park is performing well as well, boasting a 14-2 overall record and an eight-game winning streak.

In the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll released Tuesday, Illinois Wesleyan achieved its highest ranking in program history at No. 7 after remaining unbeaten. Carthage entered the rankings for the first time this season, tied at No. 25 alongside Carnegie Mellon.

Taylor French from Illinois Wesleyan was named one of the CCIW Women’s Volleyball Student-Athletes of the Week following strong performances, including averaging 5.46 points per set over four wins and earning MVP honors at IWU Tournament II. Millikin's Alyssa Frederking and Kyra Carothers were also recognized for their roles in extending their team's win streak; Frederking averaged over seven assists per set while Carothers contributed defensively with eight blocks against Ohio Northern.

Illinois Wesleyan leads several offensive categories in the conference such as hitting percentage (.235), assists per set (12.26), kills per set (13.79), service aces per set (2.82), and digs per set (17.67). Senior Taylor French leads the CCIW individually in kills, service aces, and points per set, while Kannyn Boyd tops defensive stats with an average of 4.51 digs per set.

North Central remains perfect in league play after defeating ranked rival Carthage for the first time since 2001. Sarah Harvey leads all CCIW players with 10.64 assists per set, while Abranet Layne ranks second in hitting percentage (.376).

North Park extended its win streak to eight games following victories over Benedictine, Heidelberg, and Cornell. Carolina Aviles stands third in the conference for digs per set (4.47) and second for service aces per set (0.71). Kendal Britton is second among setters with an average of 9.55 assists per set.

Millikin has now won five consecutive matches, powered by junior middle blocker Kyra Carothers who leads the CCIW with 1.21 blocks per set, and senior outside hitter Delaney Higgins who ranks fifth in both kills and points per set.

Carthage holds a strong defensive record by limiting opponents to a .106 hitting percentage—best in the conference—and leading in blocks at 2.20 per set.

Wheaton currently enjoys a four-game winning run with Ashton Major leading all players in hitting percentage (.411). The Thunder rank among top three teams in several offensive and defensive categories including opponent hitting percentage (.108).

Carroll moved above .500 after recent wins over Wisconsin-based rivals but remains winless within conference play so far this season.

Augustana secured back-to-back sweeps last weekend but is still seeking its first conference victory this year.

Elmhurst will aim to improve on its current record when it faces Ripon and Lakeland this coming Saturday.