McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team faced a challenging match against the 15th-ranked Dominican University, resulting in a straight-set defeat with scores of 25-18, 25-19, and 25-23 on Tuesday night. The loss moved Illinois Wesleyan's record to 8-6 while Dominican improved to 5-6.

Illinois Wesleyan recorded a total of 31 kills but was limited to a .187 attack percentage as Dominican secured 36 kills with a .297 attack rate. The Stars also led in assists (29-27), aces (6-4), digs (28-27), and blocks (5-2).

Senior Michael Eastman from Chicago spearheaded the Titans' offense, achieving a match-high of 14 kills with an impressive .333 attack percentage and contributing two aces. Senior Julian Perez from Orland Park added six kills with only one error on eleven attempts, finishing with a .455 clip. Junior Vince DiCosola from Aurora contributed significantly by providing 17 of the team's 27 assists.

Defensively, sophomore Jace Milka from Bolingbrook accumulated eight digs for the team. Both Eastman and freshman Brenden Reutter from Frankfort each tallied four digs. Senior Javier Romano from Prospect Heights recorded two blocks.

Looking ahead, the Titans are set to return to competition on Wednesday, February 28, when they will host Loras College for their season opener in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Shirk Center.