By Jack McCarthy
Special to the Tribune
NORMAL, Ill. -- When Sycamore jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead early in their Class 3A state volleyball semifinal Friday, the Spartans thought it might just be their day.
But a series of hitting errors and three kills from Breese-Mater Dei sophomore outside Brooke Schlute quickly dashed those dreams and the Lady Knights went on to a 25-12, 25-19 sweep at Redbird Arena.
Special to the Tribune
NORMAL, Ill. -- When Sycamore jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead early in their Class 3A state volleyball semifinal Friday, the Spartans thought it might just be their day.
But a series of hitting errors and three kills from Breese-Mater Dei sophomore outside Brooke Schlute quickly dashed those dreams and the Lady Knights went on to a 25-12, 25-19 sweep at Redbird Arena.
"I felt that we had something that maybe we could use to our advantage
and get ahead," Spartans senior outside Brittany Olson said. "But they
were serving us very aggressively ... and there was nothing we could
do."
Sycamore (34-7) will meet either Crystal Lake Central or Joliet Catholic for third place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Breese-Mater Dei plays for the title at 5:30 p.
In Game 2, the Spartans gained an 11-11 tie on a Kate Binder kill. But Sycamore followed with a net serve, the start of a 10-1 run gave the Lady Knights an overwhelming 21-12 lead.
Schulte led Mater Dei (35-6) with nine kills while Olson topped the Spartans with five.
The Lady Knights will appear in their sixth state championship game since 1987 and first since 2001. They've never lost in a title match.
Making its third appearance at state, Sycamore was third in 3A in 2007 and lost in the 1980 Class AA quarterfinals the only other time it qualified.
Sycamore (34-7) will meet either Crystal Lake Central or Joliet Catholic for third place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Breese-Mater Dei plays for the title at 5:30 p.
In Game 2, the Spartans gained an 11-11 tie on a Kate Binder kill. But Sycamore followed with a net serve, the start of a 10-1 run gave the Lady Knights an overwhelming 21-12 lead.
Schulte led Mater Dei (35-6) with nine kills while Olson topped the Spartans with five.
The Lady Knights will appear in their sixth state championship game since 1987 and first since 2001. They've never lost in a title match.
Making its third appearance at state, Sycamore was third in 3A in 2007 and lost in the 1980 Class AA quarterfinals the only other time it qualified.
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