Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Nov. 4, 2024 - Claiming her third College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Week honor this season, Bailey Houlihan earned the conference accolade in her performance in the Cardinal sweeps of No. 9 Millikin University and Carroll University.

The 3-0 win against the Big Blue marked the first sweep over a top 10 team in program history.  For the week, Houlihan averaged 7.83 digs per set, more than two digs per game ahead of the second place Grace Autrey (Wheaton College). The 5th year graduate student added five assists, two aces and a perfect 1.000 reception percentage on the week.

Houlihan is just one of four Cardinals to earn three or more CCIW Player of the Week awards since the league began issuing the honors in 2000. She joins Amber Vande Hei, Lauren Benson, Aleesa Zebold and Maddi Barickman as current Cardinals to be dawned a CCIW Player of the Week.

North Central hosts its final regular season home match Tuesday by taking on Knox College. The first serve is set for 7 p.m. inside Gregory Arena.

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