McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team defeated the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in straight sets during a highly anticipated match at the Shirk Center on Friday, October 31. Illinois Wesleyan, ranked sixth nationally, improved its record to 22-2 with set scores of 25-11, 27-25, and 25-18. The loss ended UW-Oshkosh's 11-match winning streak and left them with a season record of 24-3.

Senior Taylor French led Illinois Wesleyan with 17 kills and added 15 digs, three aces, and two blocks. Fellow senior Hannah Tellor contributed 12 kills with a .500 hitting percentage and led the team with three blocks. Freshman Carly Whitaker provided six kills from the right side.

Junior Sophia Feeney delivered a match-high 24 assists along with seven digs and four aces. Freshman Lauren O'Brien added 14 assists and five digs, while senior Kannyn Boyd tied French for the match lead in digs at 15.

Illinois Wesleyan started strong in the first set by quickly building an early lead that forced UW-Oshkosh to call an early timeout. The home team continued to control play through aggressive offense and timely defensive plays.

UW-Oshkosh responded in the second set by taking an early advantage before Illinois Wesleyan regained momentum after a timeout called by head coach Kim Nelson-Brown. Key plays from Tellor, French, and Feeney helped IWU recover from a deficit to win the second set in extra points.

In the third set, Illinois Wesleyan established another early lead but faced resistance as UW-Oshkosh briefly pulled ahead. The Titans responded by regaining control through consecutive kills from their seniors and closed out the sweep.

Illinois Wesleyan is scheduled to face No. 5 Juniata on November 1 at Shirk Center for Senior Day. Before the match begins at 1:30 p.m., seniors Raegan Watts, Taylor French, Hannah Tellor, and Kannyn Boyd will be recognized during pregame ceremonies starting at 1 p.m.