Wheaton, Ill. – The Thunder volleyball team rallied to defeat Elmhurst College, 3-2 (30-27, 28-30, 26-30, 30-27, 15-12) on Tuesday night in a play-in match for this weekend's CCIW Volleyball Tournament. Elmhurst led the Thunder 9-6 in the fifth and decisive game, however, Wheaton scored four consecutive points to take a 10-9 lead. Elmhurst countered by scoring the next two points as Wheaton trailed 10-11. The Thunder came back with four consecutive points to take a 14-11 lead and held on for the dramatic victory.

Wheaton has advanced to the semifinals of the CCIW Volleyball Tournament this weekend at top-seed Carthage College. The third-seeded Thunder will face second-seeded Augustana in Friday's first semifinal at 4:30 PM. Carthage will host Illinois Wesleyan at 7 PM in the other semifinal. Friday's semifinal winners will play in the tournament championship match at 2 PM on Saturday, with the winner earning the CCIW's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament.

Junior Mallory Sullivan led Wheaton with 21 kills, adding 28 digs, 52 service receptions and four total blocks. Junior setter Annie Himmelhaver (RIGHT) recorded 39 assists, with 12 kills and 28 digs. Kelli Miller had nine kills, with four total blocks. Lisa Jutsum added eight kils and Calla Young tallied seven. Hannah MCGinnis recorded a team-high six total blocks and Leah Whiteley-Rupp added 27 digs.