Gary, Ind. - The Indiana University Northwest RedHawks, under the direction of fifth-year head coach Alondra Avalos, enter postseason play with momentum and confidence after concluding the regular season with six consecutive victories. IU Northwest posted a 19-7 overall record and finished 14-4 in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play, earning the No. 3 seed in the 2026 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women's Volleyball Tournament, the program's highest conference finish since joining the league in 2020.
The RedHawks will host No. 6 seed Saint Xavier on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. inside the Savannah Center. IU Northwest swept the regular-season series against the Cougars, winning in Chicago in four and sweeping the Cougars in straight sets, and enters the tournament after capturing 10 of its final 12 matches. IU Northwest has found its stride at the perfect time, collecting key late-season victories over Olivet Nazarene, Governors State, Saint Xavier, and Indiana University South Bend. The RedHawks have relied on a balanced attack and one of the conference's strongest defensive units throughout their successful campaign.
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Junior transfer outside hitter Amie Schutz has led the offense with a team-high 314 kills and 3.27 kills per set while also contributing 299 digs. Her ability to impact the match in all six rotations has made her one of the conference's most versatile players. The RedHawks feature multiple offensive weapons, including Gabi Lilovich, who has totaled 208 kills while ranking second on the team with 452 assists, and Raniyah Preston, who has recorded 445 assists and 147 kills. Additional offensive production has come from Kaelan Murphy (182 kills), Trinitie Lintner (131 kills), and Brooklyn Perry, who has anchored the net defense with 48 total blocks.
Defensively, IU Northwest has established itself among the conference's best. The RedHawks own a 183.5-122.0 advantage in total blocks this season and average 1.91 blocks per set. Lintner leads the way with a team-high 102 total blocks, while libero Eva Everett has accumulated 371 digs to anchor the back row. As a team, the RedHawks have limited opponents to a .157 hitting percentage while attacking at a .201 clip.
Depth has been one of IU Northwest's greatest strengths this season. Six players have surpassed 130 kills, and the RedHawks have consistently controlled the serve-and-pass game, recording 181 service aces while committing fewer reception errors than their opponents.
Saint Xavier is led by Addison Hoeniges (200 kills, .265 hitting percentage), Abbey Opilka (686 assists, 175 digs, 32 aces), and Aalyssa Gunn (245 kills, 2.55 kills per set), giving the Cougars a balanced and experienced attack the RedHawks will need to contain.
Match information
The winner will advance to the CCAC Women's Volleyball Tournament Semifinals on Thursday, November 12 continuing its quest for a conference championship and an automatic berth in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.
- No. 8 Judson at No. 1 Viterbo
- No. 7 St. Francis at No. 2 Olivet Nazarene
- No. 6 St. Xavier at No. 3 IU Northwest
- No. 5 Governors State at No. 4 IU South Bend
