Panthers win regional title ‘for our community, for our team, for our program and for our school’

CAMP POINT, Ill. — That vacancy in the Camp Point Central trophy case has been filled.

Finally.

Junior defensive specialist Agnes Genenbacher’s thoughts echoed those of her teammates following Central’s 25-14, 25-11 Class 1A regional championship victory over Mendon Unity, a memorable 46-minute match that played out in front of about 550 fans on a Halloween Thursday night.

The victory awarded Central (25-7) its first regional title since 2012, and every girl on the Panthers roster was aware of what was on the line heading into the championship match against Unity (25-13) in a pairing of longtime Adams County rivals.

“We felt like we were playing for our community, for our team, for our program and for our school,” said Genenbacher, who paced the Old Gold and Black with 12 service points.

Genenbacher, a junior defensive specialist, said being able to help win the title for Central’s senior players made the night even more special.

“We came out strong and just kept pushing,” Genenbacher said.

One of those seniors Genenbacher spoke about was Lauren Miller, the 5-foot-10 outside hitter who terrorized Unity’s defense with her attacks from the left side. Miller’s Nolan Ryan-esque smashes resulted in 10 kills. She also contributed 13 assists.

Miller said she is already envisioning coming back to Central following graduation and being able to look at the banner that will eventually hang in the school’s gymnasium, one that will detail what unfolded Thursday evening.

“As a senior, to be a part of this (accomplishment) is really special,” Miller said. “To be a part of the environment here tonight was also special … and we’re hungry for more.”

And more the Panthers will get.

Central advances to the Class 1A Harstburg-Emden Sectional and will face Decatur Christian (35-2) at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the first of two semifinals. Decatur Christian ousted New Berlin 25-12, 25-20 in its regional final.

“I feel like we’re peaking at the right time,” Central coach Sarah Bauer-Herron said. “The last time we played Unity, it went three sets, but tonight we just came out more aggressive.

“We have talked about building a program, and winning the regional title is an important step in building that program. In our area, that’s especially important because volleyball is so strong around here.”

Central used a trio of impressive stretches to control both sets. The Panthers ran off a 12-0 burst early in the first set to take a 14-2 advantage Unity could never challenge, and in the second set, runs of 10-1 and 9-1 kept the Mustangs at arm’s length.

Miller’s right-handed blasts, coupled with some impressive defense behind her, helped propel Central to its victory in the first set.

“I was ready to crush the ball tonight,” Miller said.

Which she did, and quite often.

In the second set, Central shut down any thought of a Unity comeback when it scored 20 of 24 points during one massive swing of momentum.

Other leading Central contributors included Anna Peters and Kayli Bockenfeld, each with eight digs, and Karly Peters with six kills.

Unity coach Seth Klusmeyer, who earned his 500th career victory earlier this season, credited the obvious — Central’s front line led by Miller and an underrated defense that simply did not buckle under the constant pressure Unity tried to apply.

“Central just digs everything,” Klusmeyer said. “I thought we actually played better in the second set, even though the score might not show it. Overall, we just made a lot of poor choices with the ball.”

Klusmeyer feels Unity has laid the foundation for next season, which will see Unity return all of its key players.

“We challenged our players who will be returning (to put in the necessary off-season work),” said Klusmeyer, who anticipates another strong year from the local small-school programs. “Volleyball in this area has returned to what it was in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.”

Unity team leaders for the match included Saylor Barry with seven kills, Kodi Duke with five kills and Jillian Shaffer with 13 assists.