Three CCIW teams ranked in latest AVCA Division III men’s volleyball poll

Three teams from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) have been ranked in the latest AVCA Division III Men’s Volleyball Top 20 Poll, released on Tuesday. Carthage, Loras, and North Central each secured spots in the national ranking.

Springfield leads the poll with 26 first-place votes. Carthage follows at No. 2 with three first-place votes. Juniata is third, Southern Virginia is fourth, and Stevens rounds out the top five.

Carthage started its season strong with two consecutive straight-set wins. The Firebirds defeated Lakeland last Tuesday and then swept Benedictine by scores of 25-18, 25-15, and 25-22 on Thursday. In these matches, Ryan Monahan contributed 10 kills during the home opener while Ryan Morey provided 28 assists. Carthage will play against MSOE on Tuesday.

Loras holds onto the No. 14 position after a straight-set win over Benedictine on Saturday. Roman Rothermel was named CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week for his seven blocks; Connor Jaral had 12 kills and Evan Dziadkowiec made 25 assists. Loras is set to travel to Edgewood on Tuesday.

North Central enters at No. 20 following a close five-set victory over Illinois Tech last Thursday. Elijah Landeros marked his collegiate debut with 24 kills while PJ Vaughan tallied 52 assists. The Cardinals will start a seven-match homestand Thursday against Concordia Chicago.