CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park Women's Volleyball team will head into conference play with all the momentum in their favor, as the program set a record by climbing to No. 12 in national polling done by the American Volleyball Coaches Association on Tuesday afternoon. The Vikings surpassed their previous program high of No. 13 set on November 14, 2023.

North Park, who remains perfect at 8-0 this season while dropping just two sets, hold top ranks in the CCIW among a variety of categories. The Vikings are first in kills per set (13.62), service aces per set (3.19), and digs per set (20.69). Additionally, they've allowed the fewest opponent kills per set (8.62) and aces per set (1.12). Additionally, the Vikings' 20.69 digs per set is fifth in Division III.

Senior outside hitter Adriana Rodriguez remains the DIII points per set leader wat 5.77 and she's third in DIII with a 4.85 kills per set rate. Junior libero Carolina Aviles averages 6.23 digs per set, ranking seventh in DIII.

Senior opposite hitter Kharlie Simeona-French helped boost the Vikings to a pair of wins on Saturday, setting a career high with 18 kills while hitting .424 against the Adrian Bulldogs on Saturday.

After the CCIW opener at home against Elmhurst on Thursday, the Vikings will host their second tri-match in a week against Aurora University, who has received votes in national polling this season, and current No. 19 Calvin University on Friday, September 20.