KENOSHA, Wis. — Carthage claimed the 2026 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Men’s Volleyball Tournament title on Saturday night with a 3-0 victory over Illinois Wesleyan at Tarble Arena in Kenosha, Wis. The Firebirds won by set scores of 28-26, 25-21, 25-14.
 
The tournament championship is the second consecutive title for Carthage and the fourth in program history. With the win, the Firebirds improved to 22-3 overall, while Illinois Wesleyan moved to 22-6.
 
The opening set was closely contested, with Carthage earning a 28-26 decision after Illinois Wesleyan built an early 11-5 advantage. Ryan Bartz recorded the set-clinching service ace for the Firebirds. Carthage followed with a 25-21 win in the second set before securing the championship with a 25-14 result in the third.
 
Bartz led Carthage with a match-high 15 kills while adding three blocks and two service aces. Ryan Morey totaled 32 assists, Devon O'Callaghan recorded nine digs, and Ben Heise and Ryan Monahan each finished with nine kills.
 
Illinois Wesleyan was paced by Ethan Kuziela, who posted 14 kills, 14 assists and five digs. Brenden Reutter added 15 assists, while Aydin Provost finished with eight kills.
 
Carthage’s Erik Stover was named the recipient of the CCIW’s Elite 26 award, which is presented to the student-athlete competing in the championship final with the highest cumulative grade point average.