Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois Wesleyan University claimed the 2025 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Women’s Volleyball Championship on Saturday with a straight-sets victory over Carthage at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The Titans, who now have a season record of 26-2, won by set scores of 25-20, 25-23, and 25-18.

This championship marks Illinois Wesleyan’s second consecutive CCIW Tournament title and the sixth in program history since 1997. It is also the first time the Titans have secured back-to-back tournament victories.

In the match, Illinois Wesleyan led with a 41–31 advantage in kills and outpaced Carthage in assists by a margin of 36–30. The Titans posted a .210 hitting percentage for the contest. Carthage recorded more blocks at the net with 12 total, while both teams finished with 40 digs.

Taylor French, named CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year, led Illinois Wesleyan with a match-high 12 kills and contributed two service aces. Alex Bardouniotis added nine kills along with seven digs and three assisted blocks. Sophia Feeney, who was recognized as CCIW Setter of the Year, provided 19 assists for IWU while Lauren O’Brien had ten. Kannyn Boyd tied for the match high with ten digs.

For Carthage, Kristina Manojlovic led her team with ten kills. Katie Boston and Hailey Wierzgac each contributed six assisted blocks; Manojlovic added five more. Setter Ava Dettwiler finished with thirteen assists and eight digs as Carthage ended its season at 21-12.

Illinois Wesleyan registered its highest hitting percentage in the third set (.226), limiting Carthage to .107 during that frame. The Titans pulled away after a close second set to clinch their championship win.

Before play began, Carthage players Jenna Damon, Ava McTeague, and Kyla McTeague received the CCIW Elite 26 award. This honor is given to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically across each of the conference’s twenty-six sponsored sports.