NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team was predicted to defend its College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championship Wednesday, Aug. 10, as the league office announced its annual Coaches Preseason Poll.
IWU topped the poll with 56 points and two first-place votes, narrowly ahead of Millikin. The Big Blue notched 55 points and three first-place nods, while Carthage's 52 points were good for third in the poll. The Firebirds received a league-best four first-place votes.
North Park (41) checked in at fourth, edging fifth-ranked Elmhurst (40). North Central (27), Wheaton (22), Augustana (20), and Carroll (11) rounded out the poll.
Voting is done by the CCIW's head women's volleyball coaches. Each coach votes for the eight other schools in the conference in order of predicted finish. Points are assigned in reverse order of voting (eight points for first, seven for second, etc.). Coaches can not vote for their own teams.
Illinois Wesleyan begins the season in Cincinnati, Ohio Sept. 2-3, at the Mount St. Joseph Tournament. IWU's season kicks off against Wittenberg Friday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. ET before the Titans tangle with MSJ and Earlham Saturday, Sept. 3.
2022 CCIW Women's Volleyball Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Illinois Wesleyan 56 (2)
2. Millikin 55 (3)
3. Carthage 52 (4)
4. North Park 41
5. Elmhurst 40
6. North Central 27
7. Wheaton 22
8. Augustana 20
9. Carroll 11
