Bloomington, IL– Millikin University women's volleyball has concluded the 2026 campaign in Shirk Center, falling 0-3 to the Titans of Illinois Wesleyan University in the Semifinals of the Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament.
The Big Blue got off to a slow start with some unforced errors in the front row and at the service line. Not able to pull out of the negatives, the Titans pulled away with ten kills and five service aces to take the first 25-10.
Not rolling over, Millikin started off the second set with more aggressive attacks at the net, holding the lead over the Titans all the way up to 20-20 all. Following a 5-0 run by the Titans, the Big Blue were forced to take a timeout. Wesleyan did not stop and continued on for a 10-0 run to take set two.
With some back and forth action in the third, the Big Blue forced four ties and to lead changes, making the nationally ranked No. 2 Titans fight for a spot in the championship match. Although, only ten kills to Wesleyan's 18 was just not enough for Millikin, dropping the match with a final set score of 20-25.
Senior Elle Richards finished her collegiate career leading the team with seven kills at a .333% clip. Miley Quade joined her with six kills, and Maggye Smith five.
Leading in blocks was Krya Carothers and Gabriella Ricci, both with four block assists, Carothers a solo as well. Nikkel Johnson had two blocks with three kills.
Francesca Brandonisio picked up 13 swings from the Titans, the second most from any player, followed by senior Alyssa Frederking with nine digs on top of her 11 assists.
"First and foremost, credit to Illinois Wesleyan. They're an extremely talented, well-coached team, and there's a reason they're ranked among the best in the country. Tonight showed us what it takes to compete at that next level. We struggled to find our rhythm early, and by the time we started settling in and playing our game, we had put ourselves too far behind," says Interim Head Coach Hannah Dick.
"While this isn't how we wanted our season to end, I couldn't be prouder of this group. We've faced an incredible amount of adversity this year, and through it all, these young women never wavered in their commitment to one another or this program. I'm especially proud of our seniors for their leadership, resilience, and everything they've given to Millikin Volleyball. This season was about so much more than wins and losses, and I hope every player walks away knowing how proud I am of the way they fought for each other. I'm incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to lead this group," added Dick.
Millikin Volleyball closes their 2026 season at 15-17, going 4-4 in CCIW play. After overcoming different levels of adversity, the Big Blue remain focused on building and striving for improvement moving forward towards the 2027 season.
