BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The No. 3-seeded Loras College men's volleyball team fell in straight sets to the No. 2-seeded Illinois Wesleyan University Titans in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament semifinal on Wednesday night inside the Shirk Center.

Loras (20-6, 6-4 CCIW) began the first set with an assertive start, as Bo Brainerd III quickly responded to an early service error by delivering a kill assisted by Evan Dziadkowiec. Despite this effort, the Duhawks faced a challenging stretch as Illinois Wesleyan (22-5, 8-2) capitalized on a series of successful plays, including a service ace by Ethan Kuziela, to build a lead. Loras managed several key points, with Dziadkowiec consistently involved in the scoring, contributing both kills and a service ace.

The Duhawks attempted to close the gap with notable plays, such as a kill by Nolan Krygsheld, however, Illinois Wesleyan maintained its advantage, ultimately taking the set, 25-20.

Loras fought to stay competitive in the second set, with Brainerd and James Pirocanac delivering pivotal kills to keep the score close. Despite a service ace by Brainerd, the Duhawks trailed throughout most of the period. The Titans capitalized on key plays, including service aces and kills, to extend their lead. A service error by Illinois Wesleyan at 24-19 gave Loras a brief reprieve, but a subsequent kill by Wilson Spaulding concluded the set with a 25-20 win for the home team.

The Purple and Gold opened the third set with momentum, taking an early lead through a series of errors by Illinois Wesleyan and a key kill by Elijah Passey. Despite some errors of its own, Loras maintained pressure, with Roman Rothermel and Krygsheld both contributing significant kills to keep the score tight.

Midway through the set, the Duhawks capitalized on Illinois Wesleyan's mistakes to establish a narrow lead at 11-8, but a service error allowed the Titans to close the gap. The teams traded points, with Brainerd consistently providing critical offensive plays for Loras.

The set remained competitive, with both sides unable to secure a decisive advantage. Loras tied the score at 24-24 with a kill by Brainerd, but Illinois Wesleyan edged out the set with a final service ace, winning 26-24. 

Brainerd led the Duhawks with nine kills on 22 attempts, contributing 10.5 points. Dziadkowiec facilitated the offense with 25 assists, while also adding six digs. Brady Oberfoell was a key defensive presence, recording 15 digs throughout the match. Pirocanac was highly efficient, posting a .714 hitting percentage with five kills on seven attempts.

Up Next: The Duhawks await the results of the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, April 13.