McLean County Times

Returning to the court after a two-week break, the Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team faced a defeat against Augustana College in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin match. The game took place on Saturday afternoon, March 15, in Rock Island, Illinois. The Titans were swept by set scores of 25-23, 25-20, and 25-15. This loss brings IWU's record to 11-8 overall and 1-4 in CCIW play. Meanwhile, Augustana improved their record to 11-9 with a conference standing of 1-5.

Sophomore Brenden Reutter from Frankfort, Illinois led Illinois Wesleyan with notable performance stats including ten kills, seventeen assists, four digs, and an ace. He shared the team lead in kills with freshman Ethan Kuziela from Chicago. Senior Vince DiCosola recorded eighteen assists while sophomore Bryce Williams led with seven digs and two blocks.

The Titans achieved thirty-six kills throughout the match but struggled to maintain pace against Augustana's .329 attacking percentage as they secured thirty-seven kills. Augie also had advantages in digs (37 compared to IWU's 29) and blocks (4 compared to IWU's 3).

In the opening set, Illinois Wesleyan scored the first three points thanks to a kill by Reutter surrounded by two errors from Augie. However, Augustana quickly tied the score before back-to-back kills from Kuziela gave IWU an early lead at 8-6.

The teams exchanged points until DiCosola set up freshman Gavin Rohlwing for a kill that put IWU ahead at 12-11. Despite this effort, Augustana responded with four consecutive points taking them ahead at 15-12.

Although the Titans managed to tie the score several times towards the end of the set, consecutive kills by Augustana secured them a set point at 24-22. A collaborative effort between Reutter and Williams momentarily delayed Augie's win before they clinched it with another kill at 25-23.

Illinois Wesleyan struggled in subsequent sets leading to their straight-set loss.

Looking ahead, Illinois Wesleyan is scheduled to host North Park University on Wednesday, March 19 at Shirk Center with the first serve slated for 7 p.m.