Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324
Oct. 14, 2026 - Earning their sixth sweep of the season and improving to 2-2 in conference play, the North Central College women's volleyball team defeated Wheaton, 25-14, 25-20, 25-19, Wednesday inside Gregory Arena.
A kill from Ava Hoff sparked an 11-2 run early in the opening set, highlighted by aces from Hoff, Lauren Benson and Sarah Harvey that gave the Cardinals a 13-5 advantage. Giada Schrementi and Jordan Surber combined for a block before Hoff added another kill. Three kills from Abby Buban down the stretch sealed a 25-14 victory in set one.
The Thunder opened the second set with a 5-2 lead, but three more kills from Buban tied the contest at 6-6. The teams traded points until a kill by Hoff began a seven-point swing for North Central, giving the Cardinals a 16-10 advantage midway through the set. Wheaton answered with six straight points to even the score at 17-17. Hoff's three kills highlighted a 7-2 rally as North Central closed out set two with a 25-20 win.
Looking for the sweep, Demi Carpio's ace opened the third set. Another ace, this time from Benson, followed by a Schrementi block, put North Central ahead 9-3. After the Thunder closed within two, a pair of kills from Buban extended the lead to 14-8. A four-point run later in the set gave the Cardinals a 21-13 edge. Wheaton responded by pulling within four at 23-19, but Buban's kill and a block from Hoff finished off a 25-19 victory and clinched the sweep.
Harvey dished out 30 assists while Buban led all players with 14 kills. Hoff added 10 kills and a team-high three aces. Benson, Surber and Schrementi each recorded two blocks, while Katie Godo totaled 10 digs. The Cardinals hit .189 on the night while holding the Thunder to a .117 attacking percentage.
North Central continues College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin play next Wednesday, hosting North Park University at 7 p.m. The Cardinals are 44-10 all-time against the Vikings and have won the last three meetings.
