McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team concluded their third and final tournament of the 2023 season with a victory over the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The match, held in Bloomington, Ill., ended with set scores of 25-18, 25-23, 20-25, and 25-18. This win marks the Titans' seventh consecutive victory, improving their overall record to 14-12. Meanwhile, UWEC's record stands at 13-13.

During the match, Illinois Wesleyan achieved 59 kills with a .218 attack percentage while restricting the Blugolds to 39 kills on a .150 clip. The Titans also led in assists (54-38) and digs (71-63), though UW-Eau Claire surpassed them in aces (8-7) and blocks (7-3).

Sophomore Taylor French from Romeoville, Ill., led the Titans offensively with 24 kills on a .391 attack percentage. Senior Lily Summers contributed with 11 kills on a .222 clip. Additionally, senior Taylor Babec and junior Morgan Harrington each added seven kills.

Senior Jordan Pierce orchestrated much of the offense with a match-high of 41 assists. She also contributed four kills and two aces. French and freshman Sophia Feeney each added two aces for Illinois Wesleyan.

On defense, freshman Olivia deGuzman recorded a career-high of 21 digs. Summers matched her career-best with 14 digs as part of her second career double-double performance. French and Pierce also recorded double-doubles with dig counts of 12 and 10 respectively.

Both French and Pierce were recognized for their performances by earning all-tournament honors alongside players from other universities including Maggie McInerney and Diya Mishra from University of Chicago; Kailee Itzenhuiser from Millikin University; and Charlie Nelson from UWEC.

The first set saw an early lead established by IWU after trading points until breaking away when tied at thirteen each. A key moment was sparked by French's kill which led to a significant run for IWU ending at set point secured by Pierce’s kill.

In the second set tied at nine apiece initially saw another breakout run for IWU initiated through plays involving both Pierce’s ace following French’s dig among others contributing towards maintaining control till they clinched it narrowly at twenty-five to twenty-three despite challenges faced midway through this segment too notably coming back strong after UWEC briefly gained upper hand nearing its end before ultimately conceding last few crucial points favorably turning tide back toward hosts yet again then finally securing win here thus continuing onward into next phase where third round did not yield same result unfortunately going down instead but recovery ensured promptly afterward entering fourth sequence determinedly regaining composure holding ground firmly thereafter till final moments decisively concluding matters conclusively therein favorably wrapping proceedings up fittingly enough altogether eventually likewise consequently leading way forward further ahead still looking forward upcoming encounter against Webster University scheduled November first taking place within Shirk Center venue accordingly planned time commencement evening hours precisely designated meantime focusing preparations ready next challenge anticipated eagerly awaiting now soon approaching fast indeed...