The Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team, ranked 16th nationally, is set to face No. 10 Loras College in the CCIW Tournament Semifinal on April 8. Illinois Wesleyan secured the No. 2 seed in the tournament, boasting an impressive 21-5 overall record and an 8-2 mark in conference play, while Loras, at 20-5, earned the third seed. The match will determine who advances to the championship against the winner of the match between Carthage College and North Central College. Recent accolades for Illinois Wesleyan include several players earning All-Conference honors, and the coaching staff receiving recognition as Coaching Staff of the Year.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois Wesleyan has the best kills per set average in the country at 13.44.
  • Sophomore Ethan Kuziela leads IWU with 308 kills, averaging 3.21 per set.
  • The Titans鈥� team hitting percentage of .273 ranks 22nd nationally.
  • Ben Zima holds the team-high in digs with 268, ranking 19th in the nation.
  • The team averages 2.066 blocks per set, placing them 20th nationally.
State of Play
  • Illinois Wesleyan won both previous matchups against Loras College this season.
  • The Titans swept Loras in their last encounter with a .423 attack percentage.
  • Loras has made four CCIW Tournament appearances and won the championship in 2024.
What's Next

The winner of the semifinal match will proceed to the CCIW final on April 11, facing either Carthage College or North Central College, both of which are formidable opponents. A victory for Illinois Wesleyan would not only bolster their standing but also contribute to an impressive postseason run for the program.

Bottom Line

This semifinal clash is pivotal for Illinois Wesleyan, as a win would affirm their growth and strength in the tournament, showcasing the team's record-breaking season and their potential for further success in the postseason.