“Even though we fell short today, throughout the rest of their lives, [hopefully] that sends a life message to them." Bloomington Central Catholic volleyball falls to Columbia, claiming it’s second straight 2A runner-up finish. Story ⬇️

"Honestly watching that last ball drop and the point reaching 25, it was just such a relief." All the emotions were in the air for the Pioneers, who won the Class 3A state championship over Nazareth Academy. @MichaelSavoie12 has more ⬇️ https://t.co/S81syrxoT0

"They have worked so hard this entire year" And Normal U-High volleyball's hard work has paid off by clinching their first state title game berth since 2000, beating Prairie Ridge in Friday's state semifinal Story on a true team win for @uhighvb ⬇️

FINAL: Normal U-High 2, Prairie Ridge 0 The Pioneers are headed to the 3A state title game tomorrow against Nazareth Academy after a 25-20, 25-18 win. U-High closes the game on a 7-1 run.

SET 2: U-High 20, Prairie Ridge 17 Pioneers have gone on a string of mini-runs, took their first lead at 17-16 and are now in position to close it out. Ava Crabtree with two clutch kills back to back just now.

SET 2: Prairie Ridge 9, U-High 5 Wolves break away with a 4-0 run. One of the first times all match that U-High hasn't looked near-invincible.

SET 1: U-High 25, Prairie Ridge 20 Pioneers controlled the first set more so than what the score indicates. They've had 22 kills with just one attack error so far. One set stands between them and their first state title berth since 2000.

Pioneers extend lead to 21-14. Wolves burn their second and final timeout of the set.

SET 1: U-High 18, Prairie Ridge 12 The Pioneers look like a well-oiled machine right now. Attack has been very efficient, hitting .571. Laney Snow, Alyssa Wolf, Taylor Penn and Morgan Petelin all racking up multiple kills so far.

3rd and final state semifinal game of the day. Normal U-High taking on Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge at approximately 5:30. Winner to play Nazareth Academy in tomorrow’s state title game. Pioneers have won 28 straight, dating back to Sept. 13. Game updates to come below ⬇️

All Central Catholic volleyball wanted was an opportunity to erase the sting of last year's state runner-up finish. The Saints (@CCHSinBloom) will have that opportunity after a business-like state semifinal win on Friday. "The job’s not done" Story ⬇️

FINAL: BCC 2, Port Byron Riverdale 0 Saints win 25-16, 25-18 and are headed to tomorrow's 2A state title game!

SET 2: BCC 22, Port Byron Riverdale 17 Saints can taste a 2A state title berth. Their height has posed some problems for Riverdale all afternoon.

SET 2: BCC 13, Riverdale 12 Most of the momentum this set has belonged to Riverdale, but BCC has taken the lead with a 4-0 run.

SET 1: BCC 25, Port Byron Riverdale 16 Saints start out hot and take advantage of several Rams errors. Kampbell Niepagen with 6 kills for the Saints and Regan Baker has been active with 8 dogs.

Tremont, making its 1st state appearance in volleyball, gave their all against two-time defending state qualifier Cissna Park. But despite the loss, the Turks had plenty to be happy about. "I'm just so proud of these girls" Story ⬇️

Just wrapped up my story from Tremont’s game and Bloomington Central Catholic getting ready to get going against Port Byron Riverdale! Saints are making their second straight state appearance. Updates to come during the game below ⬇️

FINAL: Cissna Park 2, Tremont 0 The Turks' magical postseason will end in tomorrow's 3rd place game. A valiant effort against a team making its third straight state appearance. Nora Parsons 5 kills, 5 blocks for Tremont, Kaylee Johnson 11 assists and three digs.

SET 2: Cissna Park 21, Tremont 19 Tremont took a 16-14 lead after three straight aces from Nora Parsons as part of a larger 6-1 run, but the Timberwolves have clawed back

SET 2: Cissna Park 13, Tremont 10 Turks have scored quite a few points off Cissna Park errors, but are starting to find a bit of a groove with two kills from Emma Reynolds and an ace from Kaylee Johnson.