McLean County Times

The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) has released its annual Preseason Coaches Poll for men's volleyball. The poll, announced on January 7, positions the Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team in fifth place with nine points.

Entering their fifth season, the Titans return seven letterwinners from last year's team, which achieved an overall record of 11-14. Carthage College leads the poll with 24 points and four first-place votes after sharing the regular season CCIW title last year. Loras College follows closely in second place with 21 points and two first-place votes. Loras also won the CCIW Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Regional Championship. Augustana College is ranked third with 16 points.

North Central College ranks just behind Augustana with 15 points, while North Park University completes the list in sixth place with five points.

Illinois Wesleyan will begin their 2025 season at home on Thursday, January 16, against Concordia University Wisconsin at the Shirk Center. Following this opener, they will host a triangular event featuring matches against University of Olivet and Lakeland University on Saturday, January 18.

"CCIW Preseason Poll (first-place votes):

1. Carthage (4), 24 points

2. Loras (2), 21 points

3. Augustana, 16 points

4. North Central, 15 points

5. Illinois Wesleyan, 9 points

6. North Park, 5 points"