Dupage Policy Journal

Six teams are set to compete in the 2025 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Women’s Volleyball Tournament, beginning Tuesday. The quarterfinals will take place at Millikin and Wheaton, with the winners moving on to Thursday’s semifinals hosted by Illinois Wesleyan and Carthage. The tournament champion will earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship.

Illinois Wesleyan enters as the top seed after finishing undefeated in conference play and leading the league in several statistical categories, including points, kills, assists, service aces, hitting percentage, and digs. The team also limited opponents to a .102 hitting percentage. Senior outside hitter Taylor French was named CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year. "She has been the conference’s top offensive performer, averaging 4.67 points and 3.77 kills per set." IWU had seven players named to the All-CCIW Team, including Sophia Feeney who earned Setter of the Year honors and recognition for Coaching Staff of the Year. Illinois Wesleyan will host a semifinal on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Carthage secured the second seed with a strong defensive showing, leading in blocks per set and ranking high in points and kills. Jenna Damon was voted CCIW Defensive Student-Athlete of the Year: "She averaged 4.35 per set to lead all CCIW defenders in conference play." Kristina Manojlovic is another key player for Carthage. The Firebirds have reached six finals in seven years and will host their semifinal Thursday at Tarble Arena.

Millikin takes third seed after a 5-3 record and opens against Augustana on Tuesday night. Middle hitter Kyra Carothers leads all players with a .405 hitting percentage while Delaney Higgins averages three kills per set.

Fourth-seeded Wheaton returns to tournament play aiming for its first title after not qualifying last season. Jordan Benford is among their key contributors offensively.

Carroll is seeded fifth after a 3-5 finish and has been strong defensively at the net; Bronwyn Rowse ranks second in both kills and points per set within the conference.

Augustana rounds out this year’s field as sixth seed following balanced performance across several statistical categories; Grace Gustafson stands out offensively with one of the highest hitting percentages in league play.

The championship match is scheduled for Saturday when one team will secure both the tournament title and a spot in national competition.