McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team achieved a significant victory against Marian University on Tuesday night, January 28, at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The Titans secured a reverse sweep over the Sabres, improving their record to 5-1 and handing Marian its first loss of the season.

Key performances came from freshman Gavin Rohlwing and sophomore Bryce Williams. Rohlwing recorded a career-high 17 kills with a .419 hitting percentage, while Williams achieved a personal best of 15 kills on 46 swings. Williams also led the team with four aces and completed a double-double with 11 digs.

The Titans' defense was strong at the net, setting a program match record with 15 total blocks. Rohlwing and fellow freshman Wilson Spaulding each contributed seven blocks. Trey Marek and Williams added three blocks each, while seniors Ryan Myers and Luke Hartke provided two apiece.

Sophomore Brenden Reutter and senior Vince DiCosola orchestrated an Illinois Wesleyan attack that ended with a .236-.182 advantage in hitting percentage. Reutter had a career-high of 30 assists, while DiCosola contributed 22 assists along with eight digs. Junior Jace Milka led the team defensively with 14 digs.

The match began with back-and-forth action before Marian took the first set, winning it 25-21 after coming from behind. The Sabres continued their momentum into the second set, eventually winning it by the same scoreline despite IWU's efforts to fight back.

In the third set, Illinois Wesleyan mounted a comeback after trailing early on. Key plays by Williams and Rohlwing helped tie up the score at critical moments before they ultimately won the set 25-21.

Carrying their momentum into the fourth set, IWU managed to hold off Marian's advances despite some tense moments near the end of the set. A combination of effective serves by Williams and crucial blocks allowed them to take it 27-25.

The decisive fifth set saw IWU maintain control for most of its duration but faced resistance from Marian towards its conclusion. A block by Reutter and Spaulding gave them an edge midway through before securing victory at match point due to an error from Marian.

Illinois Wesleyan will continue its series of home games this Thursday against Concordia University Chicago at Shirk Center, starting at 7 p.m.