McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team achieved a decisive victory over Webster University in a non-conference match on November 1, 2023. The Titans secured their eighth consecutive win with set scores of 25-11, 25-8, and 25-21. This win brings the team's record to 15-12.

In the match held in Bloomington, Illinois, all 16 players from Illinois Wesleyan participated. The Titans' offense posted an impressive .312 attack percentage while restricting Webster to a .000 clip. The home team led significantly in kills (43-17), assists (37-15), digs (52-35), and aces (10-3). Webster managed four blocks compared to two by Illinois Wesleyan.

Sophomore Taylor French from Romeoville continued her strong performance following her recent recognition as American Volleyball Coaches Association/GameChanger National Player of the Week. She achieved 16 kills with a .406 attack percentage. Senior Lily Summers contributed nine kills on a .474 clip. Freshman Eleanor Palmer and senior Annika Altekruse added four kills each.

Senior Jordan Pierce led the offense with 20 assists, while junior Abby Erdman and sophomore Katie Gund recorded six and four assists respectively. French also topped the match with three aces, while Pierce, Gund, and freshman Olivia deGuzman each added two aces.

Defensively, deGuzman led with 12 digs and French followed closely with 11 digs for her 19th double-double of the season. Summers and sophomore Halle Smith each finished with six digs.

The Titans will remain at home for their next match against Aurora University on November 4, which will also be senior night honoring six seniors before the game begins at 1 p.m.