NAPERVILLE —The Tuesday release of the AVCA Division III Men’s Volleyball Poll reflected continued success for the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), with multiple league programs represented across the national landscape. Carthage and Loras both remained among the nation’s top 15 teams, entering the week with identical 6-0 records.
 
Carthage held steady at No. 2 in the national rankings, earning 571 points and five first-place votes. The Firebirds extended their season-opening winning streak with a straight-set road victory at Benedictine, hitting .364 as a team. Ben Heise led the effort with 11 kills, while Ryan Morey directed the offense with 31 assists. Earlier in the week, Carthage added a four-set win over then-No. 10 Aurora, paced by a match-high 16 kills from Ryan Bartz.
 
Loras moved up to No. 13 in the poll after totaling 271 points. The Duhawks strengthened their résumé with a four-set win over then-No. 10 Aurora last Saturday. Bo Brainerd III recorded 20 kills in the victory, while setter Evan Dziadkowiec posted a double-double with 47 assists and 11 digs. Loras is scheduled to compete this weekend at the Springfield Showcase, including a match against No. 5 Southern Virginia.
 
North Central was among teams receiving votes this week, earning six votes in the latest poll. The Cardinals hold a 4-2 overall record after a busy stretch that included a five-set victory over Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In that match, junior libero Jonathan Brown set a program record with 25 digs, while Mitchell Hester added 15 kills on a career-best .619 hitting percentage.
 
At the top of the poll, Springfield retained the No. 1 position with 23 first-place votes. Stevens moved to No. 3 with a 7-0 record, while Juniata and Southern Virginia rounded out the top five at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively.