ADA, Ohio – After losing their season opener to Ohio Northern University of Friday, the No.19-ranked Illinois Wesleyan volleyball team defeated both Trine and Ohio Wesleyan University on Saturday, Sept. 3. The Titans won their first match 25-11, 25-19, 17-25, 25-13 and their second match 25-18, 25-19, 25-23.
 
IWU moves to 2-1 on the season following the conclusion of their play at the 38^th annual ONU Invitational. For their strong efforts over the weekend, junior Kyleigh Block and sophomore Tyler Brown were named to the All-Tournament team.
 
Brown led the team in kills in both contests, with 17 against Trine and 12 coming against OWU. Trailing close behind Brown was Block who recorded nine kills against Trine and eight against OWU.
 
Brown and Block each played superb defense throughout the day with Brown recording a team-high 15 digs against Trine and Block leading the way with 15 digs against OWU.
 
Senior setter Colleen Rynne and freshman Kira Jackson split the setting duties on Saturday. Rynne finished with 41 across two matches, with Jackson following closely behind at 35. Junior middle hitter Maisy Bowden led the team in blocks notching five against Trine and four against Ohio Wesleyan.
 
The Titans out-hit their opponents in each of Saturday's matches. Despite stealing a set from IWU, the Thunder hit .150 for the match as opposed to IWU's .270. The Bishops were unable to find holes in the Titan defense, leading to a .089 hitting percentage compared to .225 from IWU.
 
What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan will play their home opener against Washington University in St. Louis on Sept. 7 at 7:00 p.m. The Bears come to town sporting a 4-1 record following a strong performance at the Baden Invite.