McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team secured a victory against Concordia University Chicago at the Shirk Center on Thursday night. The Titans won in straight sets, 25-22, 25-23, and 25-21, improving their record to 6-1 and marking the best start in the program's history.

Freshman Gavin Rohlwing played a pivotal role by setting a new block record for a three-set match with nine blocks. "Rohlwing posted a career-high nine blocks," noted the report. The team collectively achieved 12 blocks during the match.

Illinois Wesleyan recorded 37 kills with an attack percentage of .259 while limiting Concordia Chicago to 33 kills on a .133 clip. They also led in assists (35-31), blocks (12-7), and aces (2-1). However, Concordia had more digs with a count of 26 compared to IWU's 25.

Key players included freshman Trey Marek who matched his career-best with eight kills, sophomore Patrick Dasbach who contributed seven kills on a .417 attack percentage, and Bryce Williams who also added seven kills.

Sophomore Brenden Reutter and senior Vince DiCosola directed the offense as setters. Reutter provided 18 assists along with six kills on seven swings for an impressive .714 clip. DiCosola added another 14 assists.

The Titans' defense was strong throughout the match. Alongside Rohlwing's nine blocks, Marek, Dasbach, Reutter, and senior Jake Kougan each had three rejections. Williams led defensively with eight digs followed by junior Jace Milka with five and Marek with four.

In the first set, Kougan tied the score at ten before IWU went on to take five consecutive points leading to a timeout from Concordia Chicago as they trailed behind at 15-12. Despite efforts from Concordia to close in at times during all sets, Illinois Wesleyan maintained control through strategic plays including critical service errors from their opponents.

Illinois Wesleyan will continue their home matches hosting their second triangular event featuring Illinois Institute of Technology and Trine University this Saturday.