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# Illinois Wesleyan University tops Aurora University, 3-2
- URL: https://www.thebackrowvb.com/illinois-wesleyan-university-tops-aurora-university-3-2/
- Published: 2026-09-02T02:14:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-02T19:42:10.000Z
- Author: Aaron Claessens
- Tags: Aurora, IWU, Recap, Women's

Illinois Wesleyan turned away Aurora 3-2 (26-24, 25-23, 19-25, 24-26, 15-9) on Monday, September 1 at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Ill., to improve to 2-0 on the young season.

The Titans edged Aurora in kills, 59-62 — a near-even total — but held a slight edge in attack efficiency (.159 to .144) and out-dug the Spartans 94-89\. Illinois Wesleyan also had the advantage in aces (7-5) and blocks (10-8), small margins that proved meaningful in a match decided in the fifth set. Aurora swung the momentum in Sets 3 and 4, hitting .171 and .264 respectively after posting just .025 in the opening set, but IWU recovered in the decisive fifth frame, hitting .233 against Aurora's .067.

Aurora's Rosie Karl led all players with 26 kills on a .224 clip, while Katie Brisk anchored the back row with 29 digs and Trinity Nelson ran the offense with 49 assists. For Illinois Wesleyan, Alex Bardouniotis posted 21 kills to go along with 13 digs and five blocks, and Alysa Lawton was exceptional in serve receive with a match-high 41 digs.

In Set 2, Aurora built a 15-5 lead before IWU rattled off seven straight points to begin a comeback that eventually gave the Titans the set, 25-23 — a swing that set the tone for the final three frames.

The win moves Illinois Wesleyan to 2-0 on the season, while Aurora falls to 1-1.

Box score: [https://athletics.aurora.edu/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2026/illinois-wesleyan-university/boxscore/14197](https://athletics.aurora.edu/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2026/illinois-wesleyan-university/boxscore/14197?ref=thebackrowvb.com)