Big Blue swept by Thunder in CCIW volleyball matchup

Wheaton, IL — Millikin University women's volleyball traveled to Wheaton College Wednesday evening for a Collegiate Conference in Illinois and Wisconsin contest. The Thunder came in hot with aggression while the Big Blue could not keep up; this resulted in a Wheaton sweep 3-0 with scores of 17-25, 15-25, and 23-25.

Nikkel Johnson finished the match with a season high of nine kills at a .471 clip with five block assists, controlling the net when the Big Blue needed it most. Johnson has earned 93 blocks on the season to lead the team.

Francesca Brandonisio and Haylee Porter both had eight digs to lead the back row, joined by Kaitlynn Hartnady and Charley Condill with six apiece. Carrying the offense was Alyssa Frederking with 14 and Porter with 10 assists; the team finished with 33 kills.

"Credit to Wheaton, they're a very well-rounded team that played disciplined," says Interim Head Coach Hannah Dick. She adds, "On our end, we need to do a better job of executing our game plan, communicating, and responding when things aren't going our way." The Big Blue are running short on time to clinch a spot in the CCIW tournament, so it is critical to "improve on those areas" according to Dick.

Millikin volleyball falls to a season record of 10-14 overall and 1-4 in CCIW conference play.

The Big Blue are back in action next Wednesday, October 28 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to face Carthage College for another CCIW match. First serve is set for 7 p.m. in Tarble Arena, also being streamed on the CCIW Network.