McLean County Times

Sophomore Taylor French from Illinois Wesleyan University's women's volleyball team has been recognized as the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Hitter of the Week for the third consecutive week. The announcement was made by the league's office on Monday, October 30. This accolade marks her fifth weekly award this season and the seventh in her career.

French's performance was pivotal in leading her team to a 3-0 record for the week. Over 11 sets, she achieved 63 kills with a .296 attack percentage, averaging 5.73 kills per set. She also recorded 42 digs at an average of 3.82 per set, alongside seven assists, five aces, and three total blocks. Her consistent double-double performances contributed to her reaching over 1,000 career points within just 54 matches.

The week began with French contributing significantly to a four-set victory against Wheaton College on Wednesday, October 25. She delivered 24 kills at a .246 clip along with 12 digs, two blocks, and two aces.

During the IWU Tournament II held from October 27-28, French continued her impressive form by securing all-tournament team honors. On Friday night against the University of Chicago, she achieved a double-double with 15 kills and 18 digs while hitting .257 and surpassing the milestone of over 1,000 career points.

French capped off the week with an outstanding display against the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Saturday. In this match, she tallied another double-double with a .391 attack percentage alongside other notable contributions including two aces and two assists.

Currently ranked among the top ten nationally in points and kills per set metrics which lead CCIW standings; French remains one of college volleyball’s prominent offensive players nationwide.