LA CROSSE, Wis. — Indiana University Northwest volleyball closed out its 2025 season Tuesday night, falling in straight sets to top-seeded (No. 1) and nationally ranked No. 16 Viterbo University, 25-11, 25-9, 25-15, in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Quarterfinal at the Varsity Athletic Center.
The appearance marked IU Northwest's third trip to the CCAC Quarterfinals in program history (2019, 2024, 2025), capping off a competitive season that saw the RedHawks finish 13-21 overall and 9-9 in conference play.
The RedHawks opened with energy, trading early points with the top-seeded V-Hawks behind kills from Raniyah Preston and Trinitie Lintner to stay within 5-4. Viterbo responded with a 10-3 run led to take the first set 25-11.
IU Northwest stayed close early in the second, pulling within one on a Preston ace and a Kaelan Murphy kill, but a dominant serving stretch fueled a 10-1 Viterbo run en route to a 25-9 win.
In the third, the RedHawks battled behind Preston's three early kills to tie it 5-5 before Viterbo closed the match with another decisive rally, taking the set 25-15.
Preston led IU Northwest with eight kills, seven digs, and a service ace. Lintner and Uporsky each added four kills, with Uporsky contributing three block assists. Murphy finished with three kills and eight digs, while Gabi Lilovich recorded 12 assists and five digs.
"I'm incredibly proud of this group," Avalos said. "We've shown resilience, passion, and a drive to keep improving every single match. Reaching the postseason again is a reflection of their commitment to building this program the right way."
