Carthage 3, Wheaton 1 (15-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-14)
KENOSHA, Wis. - The Carthage women's volleyball team battled back from an early deficit to defeat Wheaton (Ill.) in four sets on Wednesday night inside Tarble Arena. The Firebirds dropped the opening frame before regrouping to claim three straight sets and secure a 3-1 CCIW victory.



Wheaton came out strong in the first set, hitting .448 with just one error to take a 25-15 win. Carthage responded in the second, using a balanced attack led by senior Kristina Manojlovic to jump out to an early lead. A pair of service aces from Manojlovic and steady setting from Ava Dettwiler helped the Firebirds even the match with a 25-20 win.

The Firebirds carried that momentum into the third, holding Wheaton to a .000 hitting percentage while posting 17 kills on .256 hitting. Manojlovic, Emma Crow, and Madilyn Danielson each delivered key points down the stretch to seal a 25-19 win and a 2-1 match lead.

Carthage dominated the fourth set from the start, opening up a 10-4 advantage and never looking back. The Firebirds closed out the match with a 25-14 victory behind strong offensive play from Dettwiler and consistent defense from libero Jenna Damon, who collected a team-high 16 digs.



 

• Kristina Manojlovic - 18 kill, .313 hitting percentage, 2 service aces
• Ava Dettwiler - 28 assists, 9 kills, .292 hitting percentage
• Hailey Wierzgac - 5 blocks
• Jenna Damon - 16 digs, 6 assists

The Firebirds (17-9) return to action on Friday, Oct. 24 against Elmhurst in Elmhurst, Ill. at 7 p.m. Carthage women's volleyball returns to Tarble Arena on Saturday, Nov. 1 as the Firebirds will celebrate Senior Night against North Park at 6 p.m. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.