After finishing fourth at last season's NJCAA Division III Volleyball Championship, the College of DuPage women's volleyball team opened its 2026 campaign with a challenging five-match weekend in Rockford, finishing 3-2 against a strong field of competition.
The Chaps opened the weekend Aug. 20 against district foe Delta College, battling through five sets before falling 3-2 to the Ducks (14-25, 27-25, 20-25, 25-18, 13-15).
DuPage's returners led the way offensively, with sophomores Cailen Sadkowski, Claire Rambasek, Isabella Furmanski and Jamie Loftus each recording at least five kills. Amani Harrington also had a busy night for the Chaps, recording three service aces, 12 assists and 13 digs. Furmanski added four solo blocks, while freshmen Wendalynn Polk and Addisyn Gardner contributed 10 digs and 19 assists, respectively.
The Chaps faced two more challenges the following day, earning their first victory of the season against Central Lakes College-Brainerd before falling to Century College.
Against the Raiders, DuPage earned a 3-1 victory (25-16, 25-19, 24-26, 27-25), with Rambasek leading the attack with 14 kills while hitting .341. The twin duo of Amani Harrington and Amirah Harrington caught fire from the service line, recording five and four aces, respectively. Gardner added 14 assists, Loftus tallied 10 digs and Furmanski continued her presence at the net with four block assists.
DuPage then faced Century College, with the Wood Ducks taking a 3-0 victory (19-25, 20-25, 19-25). Rambasek again led the Chaps with eight kills, while Gardner recorded nine assists.
Looking to close the opening weekend on a high note, DuPage responded with two victories Aug. 22, completing a reverse sweep of Minnesota West Community & Technical College before sweeping Ridgewater College.
The Chaps rallied from a two-set deficit against Minnesota West to earn a 3-2 victory (24-26, 16-25, 25-15, 25-23, 15-6), outscoring the Bluejays 62-44 over the final three sets. Furmanski led DuPage with nine kills and added 10 total blocks, while Chloe Wickham and Loftus contributed eight and seven kills, respectively. Gardner directed the offense with 21 assists.
DuPage closed the weekend with a 3-0 sweep of Ridgewater (26-15, 26-24, 25-21). The Chaps received balanced production throughout the lineup, with Sadkowski, Wickham, Rambasek and Furmanski each recording seven kills. Zoey Aldarondo added six kills to help DuPage finish the weekend with a 3-2 record.
The Chaps will return to action Wednesday, Aug. 26, traveling to region rival Joliet Junior College. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
