Dupage Policy Journal

The College Conference of Wisconsin and Illinois (CCIW) women's volleyball season is reaching a critical point as Illinois Wesleyan maintains its position at No. 6 in the latest AVCA/TARAFLEX Division III national rankings. The Titans, who are undefeated in conference play, continue to lead the league in several statistical categories ahead of a significant road match at Millikin on Friday.

Other teams are also making strong advances. Millikin has moved into second place, demonstrating strength at the net, while North Central is recognized for its efficient offense, and Carthage stands out for its defensive performance.

The CCIW announced its Student-Athletes of the Week on Monday. Carthage’s Kristina Manojlovic was named Hitter of the Week, North Park’s Kendal Britton was chosen as Setter of the Week, and Illinois Wesleyan’s Hannah Tellor was recognized as the league’s top defensive performer.

Manojlovic, a junior outside hitter, recorded 37 kills over eight sets at the Wisconsin-Whitewater triangular last weekend, attacking at a .373 rate. Britton averaged 7.92 assists per set in three matches, including a career-high 47 assists against Wheaton. Tellor led Illinois Wesleyan’s defense, logging 13 blocks and 13 digs during a 3-1 week for the Titans.

Illinois Wesleyan’s overall record stands at 19-2, with a 5-0 mark in the CCIW. The Titans recently secured a three-set win over 13th-ranked WashU and have won six of their last seven matches. They lead the conference in kills, assists, service aces, and digs per set. Senior outside hitter Taylor French leads the CCIW in kills and points, while senior libero Kannyn Boyd ranks third in digs. Junior Eleanor Palmer and senior Hannah Tellor are among the league’s top hitters by attack percentage.

Millikin, currently 11-10 overall and 4-1 in the CCIW, has won three consecutive matches. The team ranks second in the league in blocks, with junior middle blocker Kyra Carothers leading all CCIW players in blocks per set. Senior outside hitter Delaney Higgins is eighth in the conference for kills per set, and junior setter Alyssa Frederking ranks fifth in assists.

North Central holds third place with a 14-6 record (3-2 CCIW). The Cardinals are third in the league for hitting percentage and kills per set, and their defense holds opponents to a .128 hitting percentage. Senior setter Sarah Harvey leads the conference in assists.

Carthage improved to 17-9 after a win over Wheaton and leads the conference in blocks per set and opponent hitting percentage. Manojlovic, who recently surpassed 1,000 career kills, ranks second in kills and points per set.

Carroll has won four of its last five matches, with sophomore Bronwyn Rowse ranking third in kills per set. Junior setter Payton Depies is fourth in assists per set, and senior libero Maggie McGough is fifth in digs.

Wheaton, at 19-8 overall, is close to a 20-win season. Senior outside hitter Jordan Benford ranks fifth in kills, while graduate student Ashton Major leads the conference with a .358 hitting percentage.

Augustana, now 11-11, has shown improvement through strong defense and key individual performances. Setter Leah Rizzo and libero Katelyn Turley have been notable contributors.

North Park, at 18-8, has reached 18 wins after two non-conference victories. Junior setter Kendal Britton is second in assists per set, and senior libero Carolina Aviles recently surpassed 200 career service aces.

Elmhurst picked up a non-conference win over Saint Mary’s (Ind.) to improve to 8-16. Setter Freddie Temple is third in assists per set, and Alexis Casey leads the conference in digs per set.

As the regular season enters its final weeks, several pivotal matches remain that will determine the conference standings.