Carthage Volleyball Wins CCIW Tournament Title, Awaits NCAA Selection

KENOSHA, Wis. -- After winning the regular season conference title with a 7-0 record, the Carthage Lady Reds earned the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament championship with a 30-19, 30-27, 31-29 victory over Illinois Wesleyan Saturday afternoon.

With the win, Carthage earned the CCIW’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Tournament. Seedings will be announced by the NCAA on Monday, Nov. 6. This is the second season in a row that Carthage will be entering NCAA Tournament play.

The win over Illinois Wesleyan was Carthage’s first tournament title since topping Elmhurst during the 2003 tournament championship game. It was the fourth tournament championship in the Lady Reds’ history.

Carthage’s Tiffany Thorsell was named tournament MVP, while teammates Kelly Bauer and Jori Simmons were named to the all-tournament team. In addition, Illinois Wesleyan’s Jenna Passananti and Jaclyn Verticchio, Millikin’s Rachel Cook and Wheaton’s Kelli Miller were also members of the all-tournament team.

Carthage’s Jenny Lachmann had 10 kills and five blocks against Illinois Wesleyan, while Thorsell also had 10 kills and five blocks. Michelle Malinowski led Illinois Wesleyan with 11 kills.