Each week, the Illinois Tech Athletics Digest will look back at the week that was in Scarlet Hawks athletics and provide a brief glimpse at what is up next.

Up First

• November 10: Women’s Volleyball at Milwaukee School of Engineering (Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament)
• November 10: Women’s Basketball at North Park University
• November 11: Men’s Basketball at Wheaton College
• November 13: Men’s Basketball versus Central College (at Illinois College)
• November 14: Men’s Basketball versus Illinois College/Westminster College (Missouri) (at Illinois College)
• November 14: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country at NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championships at Saukie Golf Course in Rock Island, Illinois
• November 14: Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving versus Carroll University

Now, here’s a look at the action from the week beginning November 2, 2026.

Women’s Basketball Kicks Off Season

The Illinois Tech women’s basketball team is entering the 2026–27 season with a fresh energy that comes from youth, depth, and an eagerness to compete.

A large group of newcomers has changed the feel of practice, and head coach Carissa Sain has leaned into the excitement and learning curve that comes with it. The team’s competitive spirit has been clear early, and Sain is focused on channeling that into daily improvement.

“They’re a fun group of kids who like to compete. The challenge and the fun of coaching is fostering both sides of that equation,” Sain says, adding: “It’s been really fun to have so many new faces in the gym. There’s an inherent excitement with everything we get to do because everything is new to them all the time.”

Two newcomers helped lead the Scarlet Hawks (1-0) to a 61-57 win over Beloit in their season opener on Thursday, November 6.

Frehiwot Vowels (ME 1st Year) led the way with 12 points, while classmate Sydney Johnson (UNDE 1st Year) chipped 11 points on 4 of 6 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers. Veteran Berit Rusing (BIOL 4th Year) added nine points and four assists in the win.

Women’s Soccer Falls Just Short of NACC Tourney Title

The Illinois Tech women’s soccer team battled all afternoon and into the evening on Saturday, November 7, against Milwaukee School of Engineering in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference tournament championship game, but the Scarlet Hawks came up just short of earning its third straight NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship berth. They fell 3-2 in a shootout to MSOE after finishing 90 minutes of regulation play tied 1-1 and then playing to a scoreless draw for two 10-minute overtimes.

Eva Narvarte (B.ARCH. 3rd Year) scored the lone goal for Scarlet Hawks, which finished the season 16-7. Clara Estiandan (CE 2nd Year) made three saves in the loss.

Olivia Roy (PSYC 1st Year) scored two second-half goals to help the Scarlet Hawks rally to beat Edgewood 2-1 on Wednesday, November 4, and advance to the title game.

Women’s Volleyball Splits Final Regular-Season Games

The Illinois Tech women’s volleyball team swept Rockford 3-0 on Thursday, November 5, and fell 3-0 to Edgewood on Saturday, November 7, to wrap up their regular season and to cap Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play. The results meant that the Scarlet Hawks (17-10, 8-4 NACC) earned the #5 seed in the NACC Tournament, where they opened tournament play on Tuesday, November 10, at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Karla Trautmann Mendez (B.ARCH. 4th Year) led the way for Illinois Tech against Rockford with 13 kills and three total blocks, while Olivia McMath (CHE 4th Year) added a team-best 17 assists and Sydney Wilson (B.ARCH. 3rd Year) chipped in nine digs and four service aces. Trautmann Mendez also led the way against Edgewood with 10 kills, four service aces, and five digs, while Rowan Midgette (AE 3rd Year) had 17 assists and five total blocks.

Soccer Teams Receive All-NACC Honors

The Illinois Tech women’s soccer team earned three Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference individual awards and had 10 players earn all-conference honors for its success on the field this season, including:

• Forward of the Year: Tvesa Vathulya (PSYC 2nd Year)
• Midfielder of the Year: Eva Narvarte (B.ARCH. 3rd Year)
• Coaching Staff of the Year: Roshane Ellison and the Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff

In addition, Grace Yager (UNDE 2nd Year), Leyna Yonehara (FORC 3rd Year), Kayla Thomas (ME, M.S. 3rd Year), Navarte, and Vathulya earned first-team All-NACC honors. Receiving second-team All-NACC honors were Clara Estiandan (CE 2nd Year), Emma Conway (B.ARCH. 1st Year), and Olivia Roy (PSYC 1st Year). Leena Almeqbeli (BPSY 1st Year) and Maddie Steele (CS 1st Year) were named honorable mention All-NACC.

The men’s team, meanwhile, had five players earn All-NACC honors. Adrian Cogolludo (ME 3rd Year) was named first-team All-NACC, while Paul Balea (DSC 4th Year) and Junior Pineda-Alcala (B.ARCH. 2nd Year) were named second-team All-NACC. Jake Skiba (AMAT 4th Year) and Cal Graham (CS 3rd Year) earned honorable-mention All-NACC honors.

Cross County Names New Coach

Illinois Tech has named David Ringwood as the head coach of its men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs, effective October 26, 2026. Ringwood joins Illinois Tech after a successful tenure at Vermont State University-Johnson, where he served as the head coach of its cross country and track and field teams.

Ringwood’s previous experience includes serving as head coach at Pratt Institute, as well as serving as an assistant coach at Loyola University.