NAPERVILLE — Three College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) programs appear in Tuesday’s American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Men’s Volleyball Poll, with Carthage remaining in the top position. Loras moved up one spot in the national rankings to No. 14, while Illinois Wesleyan entered the poll for the first time in program history at No. 20.
 
Carthage (15-2) retained the No. 1 ranking with 588 points and 24 first-place votes. The Firebirds most recently posted a 3-0 win over Dominican (Ill.) last Saturday, finishing with a .427 team hitting percentage. Ryan Bartz recorded 10 kills in the victory, while Ryan Morey totaled 37 assists. Carthage will carry the top ranking into its upcoming conference match against North Central.
 
Loras (15-4) moved to No. 14 in the latest poll. The Duhawks earned the rise following a straight-set win over Wisconsin-Stevens Point in which they hit .500 as a team with 40 kills and three errors. Roman Rothermel led the team with 11 kills, while Evan Dziadkowiec posted 33 assists and seven digs.
 
Illinois Wesleyan (17-4) entered the national rankings at No. 20, marking the first national ranking in program history for the Titans. IWU moved into the top 20 after a five-set reverse-sweep win over Augustana last Wednesday. The result also established a new program record with a fifth straight victory. Ethan Kuziela finished the match with 17 kills and 24 assists, while Jace Milka recorded a team-best 15 digs.
 
The top five of the new poll featured Carthage at No. 1, followed by Messiah at No. 2, Springfield at No. 3, Juniata at No. 4 and Stevens at No. 5.