Gardner-South Wilmington Ends Decade-Long Drought With Regional Volleyball Title
The third-seeded Panthers defeated Aurora Christian to secure their first regional championship since 2016, advancing to the sectional semifinals.
By Alexander Parker ·
Gardner-South Wilmington volleyball players celebrated a long-awaited victory on Thursday night after capturing their first regional title in a decade.
The third-seeded Panthers defeated the second-seeded Aurora Christian Eagles in straight sets, winning 25-22 and 25-19 at the Class 1A Gardner-South Wilmington Regional.
This win marks the program's first regional championship since 2016. The Panthers finish the regular season and regional play with a 21-16 record.
Gardner-South Wilmington will face top-seeded Schaumburg Christian in the Aurora Christian Sectional semifinals on Tuesday.
In other results from the day, Lincoln-Way Central defeated host Lincoln-Way West 25-22, 25-13, and 25-11 to claim the Class 4A Lincoln-Way West Regional title.
Megan Hoy led the Knights with 10 kills and 15 digs, while Mya Donnelly recorded five kills and Ella Thompson added four. Lincoln-Way Central, now 24-13, will host Porters in the Lockport Sectional on Tuesday.
Lincoln-Way East extended its recent dominance by defeating Andrew 25-12 and 25-21 at the Class 4A Sandburg Regional in Orland Park.
The No. 2-seeded Griffins won their fourth consecutive regional title, a mark that represents their fifth such title in the past six seasons. Lincoln-Way East, with a 29-8 record, will play Bolingbrook in the Lockport Sectional semifinals on Tuesday.
Lemont secured its third straight regional title by defeating Agricultural Science 25-12 and 25-11 at the Class 3A Thornridge Regional in Dolton.
The Lions, now 25-11, will face Oak Forest in the Hinsdale South Sectional semifinals on Tuesday. Bolingbrook also advanced to the sectional round after beating Homewood-Flossmoor 25-17 and 25-19 at the Class 4A Bolingbrook Regional.
Bolingbrook, now 21-12, earned its first regional championship in four years and will host Lincoln-Way East on Tuesday. Minooka defeated Moline 25-21 and 25-22 at the Class 4A Moline Regional to advance to the Champaign Central Sectional.
Courtney Walter recorded eight kills and Charlotte Matejka finished with six kills and three aces for Minooka, which is 24-13. The Indians will face top-seeded Joliet West on Tuesday. Lockport defeated Plainfield North 25-23 and 25-17 at the Class 4A Plainfield Central Regional to claim the title. Hutsyn Timosciek had 10 kills and Kayla Mitchell had eight for Lockport, which is 32-5. Lockport will host Lincoln-Way Central on Tuesday. Manteno lost to Wilmington 19-25, 27-25, and 25-15 in the Class 2A Southland Prep Regional final in Richton Park, ending its season at 21-14.
Source: Shaw Local Lake County
