Eric Gilbert
The Illinois Wesleyan University women’s volleyball team opened up the Barker Chevrolet Classic II with a 1-1 record on Friday, Sept. 19.
The tournament took place at the Shirk Athletic Center in Bloomington, including seven other division three participants. The Titans dropped their first match to Aurora in a close four-set decision.
First-year Kyleigh Block continued her strong play, accumulating nine kills and five digs while sophomore Emily Knowles led the team with 10 kills alongside three blocks.
Senior Kinzie Schweigert added eight kills while first-year Anne Cummings had seven.
A mere four hours later, the Titans defeated Monmouth in three sets. Leading the charge against Monmouth was Block with an astounding tally of 16 mills. Greybar added nine kills and Cummings had seven. Junior Mary Rankin led the Titans defense with 11 digs.
Determination and momentum proved essential for the Titans, who dominated both their opponents, improving to 7-7 for the year. IWU needed only three sets to take down both Anderson (25-19. 25-12, 25-23) and Dominican (26-24, 25-22, 25-23). Block led the titans with 12 kills on her way to receiving all-tournament honors.
This weekend was crucial for the Titans as they enter CCIW conference play this upcoming week.
They will need to bring the same energy and focus when they take on the Vikings of Augustana, who have compiled an impressive 10-1 record so far this season. IWU will travel to Rock Island on Wednesday, Sept. 24 to take on the Vikings at 7:00 p.m.