McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team secured a 3-0 victory over Augustana College on Wednesday, November 4, in Bloomington, Illinois. The match lasted just 70 minutes, with set scores of 25-13, 25-10, and 25-15. This win concludes the Titans' regular season with a record of 24-2 and marks their second consecutive undefeated season in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), finishing at 8-0 in league play. According to program records, this achievement is the first time any team has recorded back-to-back undefeated conference seasons since Carthage College accomplished it in 2008 and 2009.

Illinois Wesleyan's offense delivered a strong performance throughout the match, recording a program-best .521 attack percentage. The team registered 54 kills while committing only four attack errors. They also led Augustana in assists (49 to 20), digs (49 to 33), aces (9 to 3), and blocks (3 to 2).

Senior Taylor French led the Titans with a match-high of 15 kills at a .542 hitting percentage and added two errors. Sophomore Alex Bardouniotis contributed with 12 kills, while senior Hannah Tellor had nine kills without an error for a .529 attack percentage.

Setting duties were shared between junior Sophia Feeney and freshman Lauren O'Brien, who each finished with 20 assists. O'Brien also recorded five service aces.

On defense, French tallied a double-double by leading the team with 16 digs. Senior Kannyn Boyd and Bardouniotis each collected ten digs. Freshman Carly Whitaker and junior Eleanor Palmer posted two blocks apiece.

In the opening set, Illinois Wesleyan did not commit an attack error. O'Brien’s consecutive service aces forced an early timeout from Augustana but she followed up with another ace after play resumed.

During the second set, Illinois Wesleyan started strong by taking the first three points and maintained control throughout. French's serve helped build an early lead while Tellor extended it further with key plays at the net.

The Titans closed out the second set by winning eight straight points as contributions came from multiple players including Palmer, Shannon, O'Brien, Bardouniotis, and French.

The third set saw both teams tied at eleven before Feeney assisted Bardouniotis for a kill that began a decisive run for Illinois Wesleyan. Additional aces from Bardouniotis increased their advantage until Whitaker set up match point and Tellor completed the sweep at 25-15.

With this win behind them, Illinois Wesleyan will have a bye during the opening round of the CCIW Tournament before hosting their semifinal contest on Thursday, November 13.