NAPERVILLE — Carthage and Loras remained ranked in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Men’s Volleyball Poll, according to the latest rankings released Tuesday.
 
Carthage (8-1) checked in at No. 3 nationally, slipping one spot from No. 2 a week ago. The Firebirds went 2-1 on a three-match road trip, including a four-set loss to Stevens and straight-set wins over Vassar and Widener. Senior Ryan Bartz was named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Hitter of the Week following the stretch.
 
Loras (9-1) moved up one position to No. 12 after going 3-1 at the Springfield Showcase. The Duhawks earned wins over Illinois Tech, Bridgewater and Wittenberg before a five-set setback to Southern Virginia.
 
Also receiving votes from the CCIW were North Central (four points) and Illinois Wesleyan (two points). 
 
At the top of the poll, Springfield held the No. 1 spot with 29 first-place votes and 599 points, followed by Stevens in second, Carthage in third, Juniata in fourth and Cal Lutheran in fifth.