NAPERVILLE — Carthage moved to No. 1 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Men’s Volleyball Poll, highlighting a week that also saw Loras remain in the national rankings and Illinois Wesleyan receive votes.
 
Carthage climbed from No. 3 to the top spot after posting straight-set victories over St. Norbert and Augustana. The Firebirds improved to 14-2 overall and collected 21 first-place votes in the poll. The ranking marks the 24th time in program history Carthage has been listed No. 1 and the first time since January 2023. In the win over Augustana, the Firebirds hit .421 as a team, led by Ryan Bartz with 15 kills.
 
Loras remained in the national rankings at No. 15 with a 14-4 overall record. The Duhawks responded to a three-match skid with wins over Benedictine and Marian at the Marian Triangular. Loras opened the event with a five-set win over Benedictine before closing with a 3-1 victory against Marian. Bo Brainerd III and Roman Rothermel combined for 61 kills across the two matches.
 
Illinois Wesleyan is now receiving votes in the AVCA poll after a five-set road win over then-No. 11 Loras last Wednesday and a Saturday win over North Park. The Titans hold a 15-4 record and earned 24 points in this week’s poll. The victory over the Duhawks stands as the highest-ranked win in program history for Illinois Wesleyan. Ethan Kuziela matched a school record with 23 kills in the match.
 
The top five in the new poll released Tuesday included Carthage, Messiah, Springfield, Juniata and Cal Lutheran.
 
Carthage returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Dominican, which is also receiving votes in the national poll.