McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team achieved a milestone victory by defeating No. 19 Dominican University in a five-set match on Thursday night. This win marks the first top-20 triumph in the program's history since its inception five years ago. The Titans, now holding an 8-2 record, won with set scores of 23-25, 25-22, 25-20, 22-25, and 15-13.

Sophomores Bryce Williams and Brenden Reutter were pivotal in leading the team to victory. Williams delivered a career-high of 20 kills at a .341 hitting percentage, tying for third-most in program history. Reutter made history by achieving the program's first-ever triple-double with career highs of 10 kills, 25 assists, and 21 digs.

Freshmen Ethan Kuziela and Gavin Rohlwing contributed significantly with each adding 11 kills. Rohlwing also led the team with five blocks. Senior Vince DiCosola shared setting responsibilities with Reutter, both recording 21 assists.

The Titans concluded the match with a total of 61 kills on a .272 attack percentage compared to Dominican's 60 kills on a .216 clip. Despite being narrowly edged out in digs by Dominican (62-61), Illinois Wesleyan tied for second-most assists in a match (54). Both teams recorded three aces each; however, Dominican had an advantage in blocks (10-3).

In key moments throughout the sets, Williams and Rohlwing provided crucial plays that helped secure points for IWU. The Titans capitalized on errors from their opponents during decisive stages of the game to claim their historic victory.

Illinois Wesleyan is set to host Benedictine University and Wabash College at the Shirk Center this Sunday for a triangular event.