Wheaton, Ill. — Women's Volleyball (3-10, 0-2 NACC) had a mixed outing at the Wheaton College Triangular, sweeping Beloit College (2-10, 0-1 Midwest) in straight sets before falling to Wheaton College (IL) (16-4, 1-1 CCIW) in a closely contested four-set match.

In the first match of the evening, Illinois Tech secured a decisive victory against Beloit with scores of 25-16, 25-14, 25-13. The Scarlet Hawks showcased an efficient attack, boasting a .364 hitting percentage compared to Beloit's .043. Illinois Tech recorded 49 kills, including 18 in both the first and third sets, along with nine service aces.

The first set opened with a quick response from Beloit, who led 2-0 thanks to kills from Naomi Murphy. However, Illinois Tech quickly leveled the score at 4-4 with contributions from Karla Trautmann Mendez and Lilia Donaldson. A pivotal 7-1 run, propelled by consecutive kills from London Francis and Sydney Wilson, gave the Scarlet Hawks a 15-10 lead. Despite service errors, Illinois Tech maintained control, with Wilson securing the set at 25-16.

In the second set, Illinois Tech continued its momentum, winning 25-14. London Francis led the charge with multiple service aces, including the final point, while Donaldson and Trautmann Mendez provided essential kills. The Scarlet Hawks capitalized on Beloit's errors, effectively controlling the set.

The third set concluded with a convincing 25-13 score, highlighted by Karla Leonte's three consecutive kills that extended the lead to 9-2. Donaldson and Erin Nothdorf also contributed significant kills, with Nothdorf sealing the set. Veronica Lopez's assists were crucial throughout, helping to set up successful attacks.

Illinois Tech Top Performers vs. Beloit
London Francis  
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- 9 kills (1 error, 15 attempts) with a .533 hitting percentage  
- 3 total blocks (1 solo, 2 assists)  
- 3 service aces  
- 14 points total  

Brooke Rifkin  
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- 2 kills on 2 attempts, 1.000 hitting percentage  
- 12 digs  
- 3 assists  

Veronica Lopez  
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- 21 assists  
- 7 digs  
- 1 kill on 1 attempt, 1.000 hitting percentage  

Lilia Donaldson  
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- 8 kills (1 error, 15 attempts) with a .467 hitting percentage  
- 8 points total  

Karla Trautmann Mendez  
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- 8 kills (1 error, 23 attempts) with a .304 hitting percentage  
- 7 digs  
- 1 block assist  
- 10.5 points total  

Beloit Top Performers
Naomi Murphy  
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- 6 kills  
- 1 total block  
- 6.5 points  

Selin Tufte  
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- 11 digs  
- 1 service ace  
- 3.0 points  

Adelaide Schmitt  
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- 9 digs  

Aaliyah Gerard  
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- 1.000 attack percentage  
- 7 assists  

Game Notes vs. Beloit 
- This was the first meeting between Illinois Tech and the Buccaneers since September 3rd of 2016. The Scarlet Hawks are now 2-1 lifetime versus the Buccaneers.


Match 2 
In the second match, Illinois Tech faced Wheaton College, ultimately falling in a four-set battle with scores of 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23. The match was marked by strong defensive efforts, with Illinois Tech recording 61 digs against Wheaton's 66.

The first set began with an early advantage for Illinois Tech, aided by a service error from Wheaton's Miriam Pozdol-Niego. The teams exchanged points with notable contributions from Sydney Wilson and London Francis for Illinois Tech. Despite a strong push from Wheaton to close the gap, Illinois Tech held on to secure the first set 25-23.

In the second set, Illinois Tech fought hard but ultimately fell 25-22. Despite a few service errors, the Scarlet Hawks kept it close with a key kill from Trautmann Mendez but could not overcome Wheaton's momentum.

The third set saw Illinois Tech take an early 5-0 lead, but Wheaton managed to rally back, tying the score at 12-12. Despite a late surge from Illinois Tech, Wheaton clinched the set 25-21.

In the fourth set, both teams battled closely, exchanging leads. Illinois Tech's contributions from Francis and Trautmann Mendez kept the match competitive, but Wheaton's Benford sealed the match with a final kill, ending the set 25-23.

Illinois Tech Top Performers vs. Wheaton  
London Francis 
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- 9 kills  
- 5 total blocks  
- 12.5 points  

Karla Trautmann Mendez  
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- 13 kills  
- 14 digs  
- 14.5 points  

 Lilia Donaldson  
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- 7 kills  
- 6 total blocks  
- 10.0 points  

Rowan Midgette
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- 5 kills  
- 15 assists  
- 6 total blocks  

Anna Elena Sofia Sebastio 
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- 15 digs  
- 1 service ace  

Wheaton Top Performers
Katherine Adkison  
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- 14 kills  
- 0.321 hitting percentage  
- 15.5 points  

Ashton Major  
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- 10 kills  
- 0.333 hitting percentage  
- 13.5 points  

Grace Autry  
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- 20 digs  
- 5 assists  

Sydney Overweg  
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- 6 total blocks  
- 5.5 points  

Game Notes vs. Wheaton 
- Illinois Tech is now 0-3 lifetime against Wheaton.

Up Next
Illinois Tech's volleyball team travels to Mequon, Wisconsin, for a matchup against Concordia University (Wis.) on October 1. First serve is set for 7 p.m.