WHEATON, Ill. - Kaitlin Gawelski finished with a team-high 13 kills, seven digs and an assist to lead a balanced offensive attack as the Carroll University women's volleyball team swept Wheaton College 25-23, 25-16, 26-24 in a statement-making College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin dual meet at King Arena on Friday night.

It was the first conference victory of the season for Carroll, which celebrated Homecoming Week by winning its fourth consecutive dual to improve to 1-4 in the league standings and 12-11 overall.
The dominant road performance took on added significance as it was the first league victory for Carroll first-year head coach Emma Mertler and the Pioneers' fifth sweep of the year.

Carroll entered the contest riding the momentum of three straight, confidence-building four-set nonconference victories over Concordia University Wisconsin, Edgewood College and Benedictine University.

Katie Jensen followed with 12 kills and two blocks for the Pioneers, who showcased their consistency by generating double-digit kills in all three sets including 17 kills and .324 hitting percentage in the critical opening set.

Ashley Konecki contributed seven kills, team-best three blocks and a service ace for Carroll, which combined for 57 points, 47 kills, 38 digs and 47 assists in the showdown between fierce, longtime conference rivals. Rebekah Andreae had six kills and one block with Maggie McGough collecting 11 digs, five assists and three aces.

Lindsey Diep had eight digs with Payton Depies adding 40 assists for the Pioneers, who demonstrated their focus, composure and determination by overcoming an 8-0 deficit in the pivotal second set.

Jordan Benford finished with 11 kills for Wheaton, which dropped to 1-4 in league and 8-8 overall.