McLean County Times

For the first time since April 2023, an Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball player has been named a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Player of the Week. Freshman Gavin Rohlwing from Tower Lake, Illinois, was honored as the CCIW Defensive Player of the Week after four strong performances. The announcement was made on Monday, February 3.

Rohlwing's achievement marks his first career honor and makes him the fourth Titan to receive this weekly accolade. He joins previous honorees Vince DiCosola (April 2023), Mike Eastman (January 2022), and KJ Johnson (January 2022). Before the 2024 season, the conference introduced separate categories for defense and setter awards.

During the week, Rohlwing contributed significantly to IWU's successful start with a record of 7-2 overall. In four matches, he achieved 44 kills with a .413 attack percentage, averaging 2.93 per set. He also recorded 20 blocks at an average of 1.33 per set, breaking individual and team block records for the week. Additionally, he added seven digs, five assists, and one ace, averaging 3.80 points per set.

Rohlwing began his standout week with a personal-best performance against Marian University on January 28. He recorded a career-high of 17 kills with a .419 attack percentage and matched his best seven blocks in that match. This effort helped IWU achieve a program record for most blocks in a match with a total of 15.

Continuing his impressive form against Concordia University Chicago on January 30, Rohlwing set another personal best with nine blocks while adding five kills and three assists in their sweep victory.

On February 1 against Illinois Institute of Technology, Rohlwing delivered another strong performance with twelve kills at an impressive .647 attack percentage along with two blocks and an assist in their four-set win.

Rohlwing ended the week facing Trine University on February 3 where he contributed ten kills at a .400 attack percentage along with two blocks despite IWU’s loss in three sets.

Currently leading CCIW in blocks per set this season at an average of over one block per game ranks him nationally as well within Division III statistics alongside holding second place in conference rankings for attack percentages nationwide too!

The Titans are scheduled to host Dominican University ranked eighteenth nationally inside Shirk Center Thursday night February sixth; starting time slated around seven pm prompt!