CCIW Men's Volleyball Sees Record-Setting Performances

Conference play set to begin after several nationally ranked matchups

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) men's volleyball season has produced several notable results over the past week, including record-setting individual performances, multiple ranked matchups, and several five-set decisions. Three CCIW programs are currently ranked or receiving votes in the latest national poll, while Illinois Wesleyan's Ethan Kuziela was named the AVCA Division III National Player of the Week.

Why it matters

The strong start to the season for CCIW men's volleyball programs sets the stage for an exciting conference schedule, as teams look to build momentum and position themselves for postseason play. The conference's national rankings and individual accolades highlight the high level of talent and competition within the CCIW.

The details

Ethan Kuziela, a sophomore setter for Illinois Wesleyan, was named the AVCA Division III National Player of the Week after directing the Titans to a 3-0 stretch last weekend. Kuziela posted back-to-back triple-doubles and helped Illinois Wesleyan set a program single-match record with 76 kills in a five-set win over Wisconsin Lutheran. Teammate Aydin Provost also set an IWU single-match record with 25 kills in a four-set win over Concordia Wisconsin. Loras, ranked 11th nationally, earned consecutive five-set wins over ranked opponents, led by strong performances from Connor Jaral, Bo Brainerd III, and Roman Rothermel. Carthage, ranked 5th, suffered a five-set loss to UC Santa Cruz, but Ben Heise recorded 20 kills and Ryan Morey posted a season-high 49 assists. Augustana has been among the national leaders defensively, with Colin Alvers ranking 10th nationally in digs per set.

  • The CCIW men's volleyball season continued to produce nationally notable results over the previous week.
  • Ethan Kuziela was named the AVCA Division III National Player of the Week after a 3-0 week for Illinois Wesleyan.
  • In Saturday's five-set win over Wisconsin Lutheran, Kuziela helped Illinois Wesleyan set a program single-match record with 76 kills.
  • Aydin Provost set IWU single-match records last Friday in a four-set win over Concordia Wisconsin, totaling 25 kills and 27.5 points.
  • Loras moved to No. 11 in the latest AVCA poll after consecutive five-set wins over ranked opponents last Friday and Sunday.

The players

Ethan Kuziela

A sophomore setter for Illinois Wesleyan University who was named the AVCA Division III National Player of the Week.

Aydin Provost

A player for Illinois Wesleyan University who set single-match records with 25 kills and 27.5 points in a four-set win over Concordia Wisconsin.

Connor Jaral

A player for Loras College who recorded 16 kills in a five-set win over Aurora.

Bo Brainerd III

A player for Loras College who recorded 16 kills in a five-set win over Aurora.

Roman Rothermel

A player for Loras College who led the team with 17 kills in a five-set win over Dominican.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.