Photo gallery: QND volleyball team’s season ends in three-set loss to Mater Dei in super-sectional

Quincy Notre Dame volleyball coach Danielle White, right, hugs senior setter Annie Eaton following the Raiders' season-ending loss to Breese Mater Dei on Monday night in the Class 2A super-sectional in Pana, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

PANA, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team was one set away from its first trip to the state tournament since 2018. Breese Mater Dei had other ideas. The Knights rallied for a 22-25, 25-19, 25-19 victory Monday night in the Class 2A Pana Super-Sectional to end the Raiders’ season with a 36-3 record.…

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Three-set loss to Maple Leafs drops Blue Devils to third place in WB6 volleyball standings

Quincy High School's Ayanna Douglas and the Blue Devils suffered a three-set loss to Geneseo on Thursday night at the QHS gym. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — All of a sudden, Quincy High School finds itself looking up in the Western Big 6 volleyball standings. Prior to Thursday night’s three-set loss to Geneseo, the Blue Devils had been in a three-way tie for the top spot in the conference standings. Now, Quincy finds itself in third place. Geneseo’s 25-22, 24-26,…

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Photo gallery: Macomb, Southeastern go head-to-head on volleyball court

Southeastern's Amanda Stephens hammers a kill during Wednesday night's match against Macomb at The Hangar in Macomb, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site: MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb girls volleyball team continues to roll. The Bombers improved to 19-0 with Wednesday night’s 25-20, 25-12 victory over Southeastern at The Hangar in which they jumped out to a 13-3 lead in the…

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Surge at end of first set carries over as Hannibal rallies to beat QHS in cross-river volleyball match

Hannibal's Emilia Bates blocks a kill attempt by Quincy High School's Madison Loos during Monday's prep volleyball match at the QHS gym. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Hannibal’s volleyball team proved Monday night it’s not necessarily how you begin the process. It’s the finished product that matters most. The Pirates’ performance in much of the first set of what was an eventual 2-1 victory over Quincy was … well, ummm … rather forgettable.  What was most memorable, however, was Hannibal’s…

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Schuckman: Boyer, Raiders able to smile after meeting challenge of facing her former team

Quincy Notre Dame senior middle hitter Madalyn Boyer smiles after winning a point late in Thursday's match against Illini West at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Madalyn Boyer’s trepidation made sense. “I was nervous about it all day,” she said. Danielle White could relate. “It was a little emotional for me,” she said. When your hometown team becomes your nemesis for one night, it’s challenging.  Boyer, a senior middle hitter on the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team, and White,…

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Keck reaches career milestone as Raiders close sweep of Chargers with emphatic burst

Quincy Notre Dame senior libero Kourtney Keck recorded her 500th career dig during Thursday night's 25-14, 25-15 victory over Illini West at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Kourtney Keck wasn’t aware how close she was to a career milestone until the public address announcer mentioned it prior to announcing the lineups for Thursday night’s volleyball match at The Pit. “I had no idea,” the Quincy Notre Dame senior libero said. She needed only two digs to reach 500 for her…

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Photo gallery: QND, Illini West square off on volleyball court at The Pit

The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players react to Nora Wiley, right, getting a kill during Thursday night's match against Illini West at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame and Illini West volleyball teams, with a combined xx-xx record prior to Thursday night, went head-to-head at The Pit. The Raiders’ energy remained infectious and limitless in a 25-14, 25-15 victory. Muddy…

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Photo gallery: QND volleyball team outlasts Hannibal in five-set affair

Quincy Notre Dame's Tristan Pieper goes up for a shot during Tuesday's match against Hannibal at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — It took longer than the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team is accustomed to, but thee Raiders finished exactly the way they are used to. With a victory. The Raiders crossed the Mississippi River on Tuesday night for a showdown with Hannibal at Korf Gym, and the Pirates made it a five-set affair.…

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Scoreboard for Monday, Sept. 23

Stephens, Suns sweep Mustangs AUGUSTA, Ill. — Amanda Stephens finished with 16 kills, 13 digs and eighth assists as the Southeastern volleyball team beat Mendon Unity 25-9, 25-17. The Suns are 16-1. Saylor Barry led the Mustangs with 18 digs and five kills. Chargers win 12th match of season CARTHAGE, Ill. — The Illini West…

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Blue Devils able to show resiliency despite loss to Maroons in WB6 showdown

Quincy High School senior setter Elise Damon runs the offense during Thursday night's match against Moline at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy High School volleyball coach Kate Brown found a way to smile despite the disappointing end to a topsy-turvy day. Watching adversity reveal the Blue Devils’ character made that possible. First, a knee injury suffered by senior outside hitter Kaley Summers forced Quincy to alter its lineup ahead of Thursday’s Western Big 6…

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Photo gallery: QHS, Moline volleyball squads square off for first place in WB6

Quincy High School's Madelyn Hamby hides behind a teammate while giving signals during Thursday night's Western Big 6 Conference volleyball match against Moline at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy High School volleyball team will have Oct. 15 marked on its calendar. That’ll be the rematch with Moline with the Western Big 6 Conference championship likely on the line. The Maroons won Round 1…

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Scoreboard for Wednesday, Sept. 18

Raiders beat Bombers in Ryder Cup match COLCHESTER, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls golf team beat Macomb in a Ryder Cup match at Gold Hills Golf Club, posting a 114 team score. The Bombers posted a 137 as the teams played three holes of best ball, three holes of alternate shot and three…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 17

Sweep keeps Blue Devils undefeated in WB6 play GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School volleyball team stayed undefeated in Western Big 6 Conference play Tuesday night with a sweep of Galesburg, winning 25-18, 25-18 at Thiel Gym. The Blue Devils are 9-2 overall and 5-0 in the WB6 ahead of Thursday’s showdown with Moline…

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Photo gallery: QHS volleyball team knocks off Sterling in three sets at QHS gym

The Quincy High School volleyball team outlasted Sterling in a three-set match Thursday night at the QHS gym, winning 26-24, 20-25, 25-19. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy High School volleyball team simply won’t be denied. Thursday night’s 26-24, 20-25, 25-19 victory over Sterling marked the Blue Devils’s second three-set victory in Western Big 6 Conference play this week and third in…

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Photo gallery: QND volleyball team dispatches Unity in two sets in season opener

Quincy Notre Dame senior setter Annie Eaton, left, and senior libero Kourtney Keck listen to the national anthem prior to Wednesday night's match against Mendon Unity at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team wants to play at a quicker pace this season. If Wednesday’s season-opening match is any indication of where things are headed, expect them to move at a lightning pace. The…

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Lafferty resigns as Illini West volleyball coach after seven seasons at helm

Dakota Lafferty, left, led the Illini West volleyball team to 174 victories and two regional championships during her seven seasons at the head coach. | Matt Schuckman photo

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Dakota Lafferty’s investment in her players, her program and her sport is nearly impossible to match. Finding someone who can is the challenge the Illini West administration faces. Illini West athletic director Grant Surprenant confirmed Lafferty submitted her resignation Tuesday night and the players were informed of the decision Wednesday afternoon. Lafferty…

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QND tabs Carthage’s White to be next girls volleyball coach

Danielle White, who led the Carthage seven and eighth grade volleyball teams to top-three finishes at the IESA state tournament in 2023, will be the next Quincy Notre Dame volleyball coach. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — Danielle White has watched enough of the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team play from afar to understand the kind of drive and determination the Raiders possess. “Knowing their talent matches their competitiveness is exciting, so is knowing those kids want to be great and work at it,” White said. It’s done with one…

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Western eighth grade volleyball team finishes second at state tournament

The Western eighth grade volleyball team finished second at the IESA Class 8-1A state tournament. | Submitted photo

KANKAKEE, Ill. — The Western eighth grade girls volleyball team pushed the powerhouse Pontiac St. Mary’s squad further than anyone. Still, St. Mary’s continued its reign. Western rallied for a 28-26 victory in the second set of Saturday’s Illinois Elementary School Association Class 8-1A state championship match, but St. Mary’s finished off back-to-back titles with…

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Eighth grade volleyball teams from Western and Unity are heading to IESA state tournaments

The Western eighth grade volleyball team will play in the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 8-1A state tournament this weekend in Kankakee, Ill. | Submitted photo

KINDERHOOK, Ill. — The Western eighth grade girls volleyball team is headed to the Illinois Elementary School Association state tournament. So are the Unity eighth graders. Western won its Class 8-1A sectional championship, beating Concord Triopia 25-12, 25-16 on Tuesday night at Jacksonville Routt High School. Western (19-3) will face Royal Prairieview Odgen (20-3) at…

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Kvitle resigns as QND volleyball coach to better serve her growing family

Courtney Kvitle resigned as the Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball coach following six seasons at the helm. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Courtney Kvitle and her husband, Jason, began discussing her future as the Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball coach during the season when she learned she was pregnant with the couple’s third child. Ultimately, Kvitle decided she had to put family first. Monday morning, Quincy Notre Dame athletic director Bill Connell announced he had…

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Illini West’s record-setting volleyball season ends with loss in sectional title game

The Illini West volleyball team won a program-record 34 matches this season. | Matt Schuckman photo

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — A record-setting season needed one final rally. The Pleasant Plains volleyball team didn’t let that happen. Illini West led the second set of Wednesday night’s Class 2A sectional championship game 13-12 and was in the process of overcoming losing the first set, just as it had in Monday’s semifinal victory over…

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Endurance test: Chargers outlast Bluejays by seizing momentum in third set of sectional victory

Illini West middle blocker Madalyn Boyer, center, and her teammates react to winning a point during the third set of Monday night's Class 2A sectional semifinal victory over Petersburg PORTA in Pleasant Plains, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Only four times in 37 matches leading up to Monday night’s Class 2A sectional semifinals had the Illini West volleyball team engaged in a three-set marathon. And only once had the Chargers won. “I was kind of worried about that,” Illini West coach Dakota Lafferty said. So when the Chargers lost…

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Photo gallery: Illini West to play for sectional volleyball championship after dispatching PORTA

Illini West's Josie Bryan, left, and Madalyn Boyer, right, put up a block during Monday night's Class 2A sectional semifinal against Petersburg PORTA in Pleasant Plains, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Madalyn Boyer said every play gives the Illini West volleyball team confidence, and throughout Monday night’s Class 2A sectional semifinal against Petersburg PORTA — especially the final two sets — confidence grew. The Chargers outlasted the Bluejays 22-25, 25-21, 25-18 to advance to the sectional title match against Pleasant Plains at…

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Pleasant Plains capitalizes on momentum shifts, knocks Macomb out in sectional semifinals

Macomb's Madeline McClure hits a shot through the block of Pleasant Plains during Monday night's Class 2A sectional semifinal in Pleasant Plains, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Pleasant Plains volleyball team figured out how to continually stem the tide. During Monday night’s Class 2A sectional semifinal against Macomb, the Cardinals strategically used timeouts to stall scoring runs by the Bombers, putting the brakes on a four-point swing late in the second set that enabled Pleasant Plains to…

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Photo gallery: Strong starts in both sets not enough as Macomb falls in sectional semifinal

The Macomb volleyball players wait for the officiating crew to discuss a call during the second set of Monday night's Class 2A sectional semifinal against Pleasant Plains in Pleasant Plains, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The momentum the Macomb volleyball team created by winning the Class 2A regional title last Thursday night seemed to linger with a stellar start to Monday’s sectional semifinal until Pleasant Plains took it away. Behind the program’s all-time leading hitter in Sydney McFee, the Cardinals stopped each Bombers’ run and earned…

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‘We just didn’t show up to play’: Macomb steamrolls mistake-prone QND in regional final

Quincy Notre Dame setter Annie Eaton, left, watches the Macomb volleyball team celebrate after the final point in the Bombers' 25-18, 25-14 loss on Thursday night in The Hangar at Macomb High School. | David Adam photo

MACOMB, Ill. — Senior Delaney Beard had a difficult time comprehending what had happened. Quincy Notre Dame had been dominant this season, losing just 14 sets while winning 32 out of 36 matches and earning the No. 1 seed in the Class 2A girls volleyball regional. The Raiders only needed to beat fifth-seeded Macomb, which…

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‘I felt threatened, and I felt violated’: QND coach berated in locker room by parents after regional title match loss

Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball coach Courtney Kvitle walks the sideline during the first set of Thursday's Class 2A regional championship game at the Hangar at Macomb High School. | David Adam photo

MACOMB, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame volleyball coach Courtney Kvitle went into the locker room for a talk no coach wants to have after a disappointing 25-18, 25-14 loss to Macomb in Thursday night’s Class 2A regional championship game at the Hangar at Macomb High School. However, Kvitle’s final words with her team were interrupted when…

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Mustangs keep good vibes rolling, oust Trojans with strong finish to both sets in regional title tilt

The Unity volleyball team won the Class 1A Payson Regional championship Thursday night, beating Triopia 25-17, 25-16. | Photo courtesy Unity High School

PAYSON, Ill. — The best may be yet to come for the Unity volleyball team. Or so Hayden Frankel thinks. “I honestly don’t think we’ve played our best yet,” said Frankel, a senior setter. Frankel’s assessment came shortly after Unity’s relatively easy 25-17, 25-16 elimination of Triopia on Thursday evening in the Class 1A regional…

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Chargers showcase ability to attack from every direction in beating Irish for regional crown

The Illini West volleyball team won its first regional championship since 2017, beating Peoria Notre Dame 25-17, 25-14 Thursday night in Canton, Ill. | Photo courtesy Illini West athletics

CANTON, Ill. — Dakota Lafferty found herself being a spectator as much as a coach Thursday night. Sparked by a booming Josie Bryan kill down the line for the first point of the match, the Illini West volleyball team used its energy and enthusiasm to overwhelm Peoria Notre Dame in a 25-17, 25-14 victory in…

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Aggressive approach offensively carries Griswold, Suns to regional volleyball championship

The Southeastern volleyball team celebrates its Class 1A regional championship after beating Rushville-Industry 25-12, 25-14 on Thursday night in Augusta, Ill. | Don Crim photo

AUGUSTA, Ill. — Southeastern volleyball coach Tim Kerr has been waiting for Kenzie Griswold to have a breakout performance. The sophomore outside hitter delivered at an opportune time. Griswold had five early kills to help set an aggressive tone and 13 overall Thursday night as the top-seeded Suns dispatched Rushville-Industry in straight sets 25-12, 25-14…

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Photo Gallery: Macomb uses 17-4 run to close out first set, blow away QND in second set

Macomb's Kathryn Lukkarinen, right, spikes the ball around the block of Quincy Notre Dame's Lauren Hummel, left, and Annie Eaton, middle, during Thursday night's Class 2A regional volleyball championship at the Hangar at Macomb High School. | David Adam photo

MACOMB, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball team saw its season end Thursday night in a 25-18, 25-14 loss to Macomb in the Hangar on Thursday night at Macomb High School. Macomb (27-9) advances to play No. 2 seed Pleasant Plains in the Class 2A sectional semifinals at 6 p.m. Monday at Pleasant…

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Second-set fight not enough for Blue Devils to knock off top-seeded Tigers in regional opener

Quincy High School's Kaley Summers, right, attempts to block a shot by Edwardsville's Addie Reader during Tuesday night's regional semifinal at Alton High School. | Photo courtesy Billy Woods, Edwardsville Intelligencer

GODFREY, Ill. —  Shelby Lee’s second block of the night came at the right time for the Edwardsville volleyball team.  The junior hitter rose high for a block to break a tie between top-seeded Edwardsville and seventh-seeded Quincy late in the second set Tuesday. On the next point, the Tigers wrapped up a 25-17, 25-23…

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QND, Macomb volleyball teams win regional semifinals, will clash for championship

Junior setter Annie Eaton and the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team will face Macomb in the Class 2A regional championship at 6 p.m. Thursday in Macomb, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MACOMB, Ill. — The rematch is set. The Quincy Notre Dame and Macomb volleyball teams will go head-to-head at 6 p.m. Thursday at The Hangar at Macomb High School to decide the Class 2A regional championship. This will be the fourth meeting in the last two years between two staunch programs. QND beat Macomb in…

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Hannibal sees shot at district volleyball title gone in flash against Lutheran St. Charles

Hannibal's Aly Falconer hammers the ball during Monday night's Class 4 District 4 championship match against Lutheran St. Charles at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — It was quick, but still painful. Lutheran St. Charles wasted little time Monday night putting an end to Hannibal’s volleyball season, dispensing the Pirates in convincing fashion in the Class 4 District 4 championship game at Korf Gym. The 25-19, 25-15, 25-12 setback was completed in a brisk 62 minutes. “We never…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal volleyball team wins district opener in four sets

Hannibal's Malia Stolte digs a shot during Wednesday night's Class 4 District 4 victory against Fort Zumwalt South at Korf Gym. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The fourth-seeded Hannibal volleyball team opened the Class 4 District 4 tournament at Korf Gym on Wednesday night with a four-set victory over fifth-seeded Fort Zumwalt South, winning 25-23, 18-25, 25-19, 26-24. Abbie Martin led the Pirates with 15 kills and 18 digs, while Ashlyn Hess had 20 assists and six digs,…

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Emotional end to home slate comes with Raiders finishing off perfect season at The Pit

The Quincy Notre Dame defense blocks a shot by Quincy High School outside hitter Kaley Summers during Monday night's match at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Pit provided the perfect atmosphere to goodbye, even if it had Emma Hoing shedding tears. “I was so emotional tonight,” Hoing said. “I cried.” She also delivered. A senior outside hitter on the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team, Hoing threw down a team-leading eight kills to power the Raiders to a 25-19,…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND volleyball teams square off in front of raucous crowd at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame middle blocker Eva Breckenkamp, left, hammers a kills past the block of Quincy High School's defense during Monday night's match at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Two rambunctious student sections, splashes of pink throughout the gym and lively play on both sides of the net made for an entertaining crosstown showdown Monday night at The Pit. The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team capped an undefeated regular season at home with a 25-19, 25-15 victory over Quincy High School on…

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Prairie State Profile: Mustangs’ Shaffer brings fun-loving attitude, leadership to senior season

Sophia Shaffer has played a significant role in helping the Unity volleyball team exceed early season expectations. | Photo courtesy Sarah Donley Photography

MENDON, Ill. — Sophia Shaffer is trying to savor the moment. A senior multi-sport athlete at Unity High School, Shaffer has learned through injury and triumph to be undeterred and play for the love of the game. “It’s why I want to make sure this year is fun,” Shaffer said. She also realizes this is…

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Photo gallery: QHS volleyball team fends off Hannibal for four-set victory at Korf Gym

Quincy High School's Kaley Summers digs a ball during Monday night's match against Hannibal at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Quincy High School volleyball team began its week by showing some resiliency it normally doesn’t have to provide. Hannibal rallied after losing the first two sets Monday night at Korf Gym by winning the third set and pushing the Blue Devils to the brink in the fourth set. Ultimately, Quincy won…

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Schuckman: Raiders developing edge in middle that could be key component of postseason run

Sophomore middle blocker Eva Breckenkamp is developing into a larger force in the middle of the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team's attack. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It sounds different. It just does. When Eva Breckenkamp drives the volleyball straight down, it thuds. Loudly. People notice. People flinch. People ooh and ahh.  It happens when Emma Hoing powers a kill down the line or when Delaney Beard drives one crosscourt. The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team is blessed with an…

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Photo gallery: QND, Hannibal volleyball teams square off at The Pit

Hannibal's Malia Stolte, left, tries to hit through the block of Quincy Notre Dame's Emma Hoing during Tuesday night's match at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team continued to build a resume that likely will earn the Raiders the No. 1 regional seed with Tuesday night’s 25-16, 25-14 victory over Hannibal at The Pit. Sophomore middle Eva Breckenkamp led the Raiders with eight kills, while senior outside hitter Emma Hoing had seven kills and…

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Photo gallery: QND volleyball team sweeps Payson Seymour at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame's Annie Eaton, left, and Lauren Hummel block a hit by Payson Seymour's Jessica Whipple during Wednesday night's match at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Coming off a second-place finish at the Lincoln Tournament in which it went 4-1 against Class 3A and 4A competition, the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team returned home Wednesday for a West Central Conference matchup with Payson Seymour. A balanced attack that featured three hitters leading the way with five kills apiece led…

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One thing leads to another: Douglas takes charge, guides Blue Devils to WB6 victory

Quincy High School volleyball coach Kate Brown, right, addresses her team during Thursday night's match against Geneseo at the QHS gym. | Steve Eighinger photo

QUINCY — Quincy High School volleyball coach Kate Brown had just watched her team get hit with a haymaker at the onset of Thursday’s Western Big 6 Conference match against Geneseo. “I wondered what was going on,” Brown admitted. With her club down 10-0, Brown turned to Ayanna Douglas and informed the junior hitter, “You’ve…

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Championship Saturday set as Illini West, Southeastern, Unity to battle for volleyball title

Photo courtesy Southeastern High School

AUGUSTA, Ill. — The top volleyball teams in each pool in the Lady Suns Classic cemented their spot in the championship bracket with straight-set sweeps Thursday night. Illini West continued its strong play, beating Brown County 25-16, 25-12. Josie Bryan led the Chargers with 11 kills and 12 digs, while Corin Robinson had 12 assists,…

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Crosstown showdown for tourney title gives Raiders, Blue Devils both boost moving forward

The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players celebrate with the championship trophy after winning the QHS Early Bird Tournament at the QHS gym on Saturday. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Courtney Kvitle missed an effort that echoed what she preaches. Put the pressure on the opponent. Meanwhile, the Quincy High School volleyball team put forth an effort that echoed everything the Blue Devils are trying to be. Tough, scrappy and unrelenting. It made for an entertaining tournament with a crossdown showdown for the…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND volleyball teams reach championship match of Early Bird Tournament

The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame volleyball teams prepare to start the championship match of the QHS Early Bird Tournament on Saturday at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame volleyball teams swept through pool play and won their semifinal matches in the QHS Early Bird Tournament on Saturday to set up a crossdown showdown for the title. The Raiders won 25-10, 25-19, but both walked away with confidence. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…

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One Keck of an effort: Raiders win home opener behind quality serve receive from junior libero

Quincy Notre Dame junior libero Kourtney Keck gets the offense started with a serve receive during the second set of Thursday night's sweep of West Hancock at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As often as Kourtney Keck sprawled out in an attempt to dig up every shot that came her way, she was bound to leave The Pit on Thursday night with some floor burns. “A couple,” the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team’s junior libero said. She shrugged that off. “That’s not unusual,” she said.…

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Photo gallery: QND volleyball team beats West Hancock in home opener at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame's Delaney Beard shares a laugh with teammate Emma Hoing during Thursday night's two-set sweep of West Hancock at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team finished off back-to-back victories on back-to-back nights with back-to-back sweeps. The Raiders beat West Hancock 25-8, 25-11 on Thursday night at The Pit to open the season 2-0. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was at The Pit and put together this photo gallery:

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QHS volleyball team battles in second set, falls to Chatham Glenwood in season opener

QUINCY — The finished product looked much better than the starting act. Even though Quincy High School dropped its season-opening volleyball match Thursday evening to Chatham Glenwood 25-13, 25-23, there appears to be reason for legitimate optimism on the not-too-distant horizon. The Blue Devils were overwhelmed and appeared overmatched in the one-sided first set, but…

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Raiders embrace need to alter ending in their pursuit of state tournament success

Quincy Notre Dame junior setter Annie Eaton will engineer an offense that is expected to be dynamic enough to help the Raiders make another run at a state tournament berth. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — George Santayana is credited with saying it. Courtney Kvitle is echoing it. And the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players are embracing it. So what is the mantra the early 20th century philosopher popularized that rings true today? Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. The Raiders clearly haven’t forgotten.…

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Blue Devils show growth, improvement in upending Dragons in regional semifinals

Quincy High School's Naveah Baker, who rattled off nine consecutive service points in the second set Tuesday night, helped the Blue Devils eliminate Pekin in the Class 4A Quincy Regional semifinals at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy High School volleyball coach Kate Brown collected herself, looked out on the court at the QHS gym and broke into a wide smile. “This was a team we haven’t seen all season,” Brown said of her sixth-seeded Blue Devils, who moments earlier pulled off an upset of fourth-seeded Pekin in the Class…

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Schuckman: Blue Devils, Raiders achieve desired outcome as Quincy won, breast cancer lost during ‘Volley for a Cure’

Quincy High School's Ayanna Douglas, left, and Genesis Torres encourage each other before a serve during Monday night's match against Quincy Notre Dame at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The outcome matters. It has to, otherwise the sweat equity put into practice and the commitment to be at your best wouldn’t matter so much. Still, there are nights where the final score takes on secondary importance, where winners aren’t determined solely by the numbers on a scoreboard but more by the integrity,…

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Photo gallery: Quincy High School faces Quincy Notre Dame in girls volleyball

Quincy Notre Dame's Lilly Marth, left, and Faith Kientzle react to winning a point during Monday night's match against Quincy High School at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Monday night’s crosstown showdown continued the mission to find a cure for breast cancer, and the atmosphere in the QHS gym as the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball teams squared off proved to be electric. Here is a look at the images captured by Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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Prelude to a rematch? Macomb volleyball team beats QND in three-set thriller between sectional foes

The Macomb volleyball players celebrate with the Bombers' student cheering section after beating Quincy Notre Dame in three sets Wednesday night at The Pit. | Photo courtesy Justice Keene

QUINCY — With her Macomb High School classmates milling around and her Bomber volleyball teammates screaming in the background, senior outside hitter Kennedy Adair tried to sum up Wednesday night’s three-set victory over Quincy Notre Dame. “That was amazing,” a smiling Adair said after the Bombers survived a 25-17, 17-25, 25-23 thriller at The Pit.…

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Raiders, Bombers take care of business ahead of showdown between top Class 2A volleyball teams

Senior right side hitter Ali Entrup leads the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team's starters onto the floor prior to Tuesday night's match against Southeastern at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Looking forward could have meant falling behind. The Quincy Notre Dame and Macomb girls volleyball teams both faced that scenario Tuesday. Both handled it with aplomb. The Raiders dispatched Southeastern 25-13, 25-15 at The Pit, while the Bombers put away Havana 25-17, 25-23 at the Washington Street Gym. Now, both squads can turn…

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If you’re happy and you know it: QND volleyball players’ enjoyment shows in dominant results

From left to right, Quincy Notre Dame's Addison Van Hecke, Abbey Schreacke and Faith Kientzle celebrate a point during Thursday night's match against Brown County at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Pit is their happy place. To see how true that is, take a gander at the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players during warmups or pregame introductions. Smiles and laughter overtake everyone. “We love to be here,” senior outside hitter Laela Hernandez-Jones said. “We love games. We love getting to perform what we’re…

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Girls just want to have fun: Raiders start season with two-set victory over Mustangs

Quincy Notre Dame senior libero Faith Kientzle, right, reacts to winning a point against Unity during Wednesday night's season-opening match at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Faith Kientzle’s smile never fades. Why should it? Volleyball season is officially here. “It’s supposed to be fun,” said the Quincy Notre Dame senior libero, who has already verbally committed to Lincoln Land Community College. “And that’s what Coach told us. Just go out there and have fun and the other stuff will…

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Three area junior high girls volleyball teams to compete in IESA state quarterfinals

QUINCY — Three teams will represent this area in the Illinois Elementary School Association eighth grade girls state volleyball tournaments beginning Friday. In Class 1A, Southeastern reached the quarterfinals with a 25-13, 25-12 victory over Greenfield in the Carrollton Sectional championship. The Suns (19-2-1) will face Cornell at 8:15 p.m. Friday at Central A&M MIddle…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, October 28

The Brown County volleyball team celebrates the first regional championship in program history. Submitted photo

Girls Volleyball At Concord, Ill. Class 1A Triopia Regional: There’s nothing easy when it comes to making history. Top-seeded Brown County won the first regional championship in program history by rallying from a one-set deficit to knock off fourth-seeded Central 16-25, 25-16, 25-23. It also is the first 30-win season in program history as the…

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Raiders show composure in face of adversity, capture regional title

The Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball team won the Class 2A Illini West Regional championship Thursday night by defeating Illini West in three sets. Photo courtesy Ben Marth

CARTHAGE, Ill. — The atmosphere generated by the Illini West faithful was something only a select few of the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players have ever experienced. Rarely have the Raiders faced a do-or-die situation as well. The top-seeded team in the Class 2A Illini West Regional proved capable of handling anything thrown its way.…

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Scoreboard for Wednesday, October 27

Girls Volleyball At Concord, Ill. Class 1A Triopia Regional: Top-seeded Brown County waltzed its way into the regional championship with a 25-8, 25-18 victory over sixth-seeded Triopia. Katey Flynn led the Hornets with nine kills, five digs and two aces, while Klare Flynn had eight kills, three blocks and four digs and Gabby McGath had…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, October 26

The John Wood Community College women's soccer team won the first playoff game in program history Tuesday. Submitted photo

Women’s Soccer At the Frontyard, Quincy John Wood Community College 4, Parkland 0: In the first postsesason soccer game ever played on the JWCC campus, the Trail Blazers advanced to the semifinals of the Region 24 tournament. They will face top-seeded Heartland on Friday in Normal, Ill. Alexis Miranda gave the Trail Blazers a 1-0…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, October 23

Hannibal’s Kendel Locke tips the ball during the Pirates' district semifinal game against Fulton on Saturday at Korf Gym. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

Girls Volleyball At Korf Gym, Hannibal, Mo. Class 4 District 8: Top-seeded Hannibal advanced to the district championship match with a 25-15, 25-17, 25-16 victory over Fulton. Bella Falconer led the Pirates with 25 kills, while Ashlyn Hess had 22 assists and Nora Hark had five kills and 12 assists. Hannibal will face second-seeded Warrenton…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, October 21

Boys Soccer At Warrenton, Mo. Hannibal 1, Warrenton 0: Kevin Westhoff scored off a Bodie Rollins assist as the Pirates picked up a road victory. Parker Terrill posted the shutout. The Pirates improved to 14-6-1. Girls Volleyball At Beardstown, Ill. Brown County d. Beardstown: The Hornets ended the regular season with a 25-16, 25-20 victory.…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, October 19

Palmyra senior Mallory Comstock, left, and Panthers golf coach Chris Parsons celebrate Comstock tying for third at the Class 1 state tournament and becoming the first golfer in program history to earn a state medal. Submitted photo

Girls Golf At Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club, Bolivar, Mo. Class 1 state tournament: Palmyra senior Mallory Comstock became the first golfer in program history to earn a state medal, finishing tied for 13th after the 36-hole event. Comstock improved eight strokes during Tuesday’s second round, shooting a 96. She finished with a two-day…

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Raiders get on same page, ignore distractions to sweep Blue Devils

Quincy Notre Dame's Lilly Marth digs a shot from Quincy High School during Tuesday night's match at the Pit. The Raiders won 25-18, 25-16.

QUINCY — Abbey Schreacke was keenly aware of the inherent distractions Tuesday night’s match brought. The city rivalry was front and center. The Pink Night celebration drew a bigger crowd. And a planned post-match recognition of Quincy Notre Dame volleyball coach Courtney Kvitle’s 100th career victory would lose some luster if the Raiders fell to…

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Scoreboard for Monday, October 18

Hannibal's Alex Friday, center, is pulled down by two Chillicothe defenders during Monday's game at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

Boys Soccer At Porter Stadium, Hannibal, Mo. Chillicothe 3, Hannibal 2: Drew Porter’s goal with 12 minutes remaining in regulation forced overtime, but the Pirates fell in a penalty-kick shootout. Porter scored both goals for Hannibal, converting a DaeShon Glasgow corner kick in the first half and finishing a Glasgow throw-in for the second goal.…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, October 14

Prep Softball At Flower City Park, Palmyra, Mo. Class 2 District 5: Third-seeded Highland’s Payton Miller tossed a two-hit shutout in a 6-0 victory over sixth-seeded Mark Twain in the quarterfinals. Miller struck out 10 and walked none. She was backed by an offense that scored three runs in the first inning and three more…

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Scoreboard for Wednesday, October 13

Girls Volleyball At Mount Sterling, Ill. Brown County d. West Hancock: The Hornets rebounded from losing the second set to post a 25-19, 23-25, 25-13 victory. Katey Flynn had 18 kills and 12 digs for the Hornets, while Klare Flynn had 11 kills, Gabby McGath finished with 33 assists and Kaci McKeon had 20 digs.…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, October 12

Boys Soccer At Advance Physical Therapy Field, Quincy Class 1A QND Regional: Top-seeded Quincy Notre Dame opened postseason play with an 11-0 whitewashing of ninth-seeded Abingdon-Avon. The Raiders scored twice in the first seven minutes, piled up eight goals in the first half and had no trouble advancing to the regional championship game. Tanner Anderson…

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Scoreboard for Monday, October 11

Boys Soccer At Flinn Stadium, Quincy Quincy High School 7, Rock Island Alleman 0: The Blue Devils wrapped up the Western Big 6 Conference championship with the whitewashing of the Pioneers. Carter Venvertloh and Andrew Brown each scored twice, while Biruk Rosen, Blake Bunch and Boen Brockmiller each had a goal. Spencer Jenkins had two…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, October 7

The Palmyra girls tennis team won the Class 1 District 8 championship by beating Mexico 5-4 in the title match. Submitted photo

Girls Tennis At Mexico, Mo. Class 1 District 8 Tournament: Palmyra outlasted Mexico with a 5-4 victory to win the district title and advance to Monday’s sectional against Westminster Christian Academy in Town & Country, Mo. The Panthers won the top two doubles matches with Katy Rindom and Maura Gottman picking up an 8-6 victory…

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Scoreboard for Wednesday, October 6

Girls Volleyball At The Hangar, Macomb, Ill. Quincy Notre Dame d. Macomb: One night after handing Southeastern its first loss of the season, the Raiders made another statement by beating a potential postseason foe in straight sets with a 25-22, 25-19 victory. Emma Hoing led QND with nine kills, while Abbey Schreacke had eight kills…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, October 5

Prep Cross Country At Uhland Farms, Liberty, Ill. West Central Conference Championships: Quincy Notre Dame senior Teresa Drotar was the only runner in the girls race to break 21 minutes and the Raiders had four of the top six runners to win the WCC title. Drotar took first in 20 minutes, 45.4 seconds, while Abigail…

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Scoreboard for Monday, October 4

The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame tennis teams pose for a picture following Monday's match at Reservoir Park. The teams wore pink to observe Breast Cancer Awareness month. Photo courtesy Teresa Quintero

Girls Tennis At Reservoir Park, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 7, Quincy High School 2: The ability to win a pair of tiebreakers as well as dominante the bottom part of the order propelled the Raiders to the victory in the crosstown rivalry. Lia Quintero won the No. 1 singles matchup for QND, beating Lily Hayes…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, September 30

Boys Soccer At Burlington, Iowa Great River Classic: Quincy Notre Dame opened the three-game showcase event with a 1-0 victory over Dunlap. Late in the first half, junior midfielder John Drew set up Tanner Anderson’s goal. Senior goalkeeper Ethan Sparrow posted the shutout.  Girls Volleyball At The Pit, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame d. Western: Annie…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, September 23

Boys Soccer At Advance Physical Therapy Field, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 2, Rochester 0: Tanner Anderson scored with nine minutes remaining in the first half and converted a penalty kick with five minutes remaining in regulation as the Raiders picked up the shutout victory. Ethan Sparrow and Max Frericks combined on the shutout. QND is…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, September 21

Quincy Notre Dame's Annie Eaton, left, and Hannibal’s Kate Maune, right, tip the ball at the net during Tuesday's match at the Pit. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

Girls Volleyball At the Pit, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame d. Hannibal: The Raiders bounced back from their first loss of the season with a 25-21, 26-24 victory. Sophomore outside hitter Emma Hoing led QND with eight kills, while Abbey Schreacke and Avery Keck each had five. Annie Eaton dished out 23 assists, and Faith Kientzle…

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Scoreboard for Monday, September 20

Boys Soccer At Advance Physical Therapy Field, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 6, Sacred Heart-Griffin 1: The Raiders improved to 8-2-3 as Tanner Anderson recorded a hat trick and Ben Frericks scored on a 25-yard blast for the Raiders’ first goal. Jake Hoyt and Logan Zanger also scored for QND. Girls Volleyball At Mendon, Ill. Southeastern…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, September 16

Boys Soccer At Flinn Stadium, Quincy Quincy High School 1, Quincy Notre Dame 1. Click here for the story and photo gallery. At Canton, Mo. Hannibal 1, Canton 0: The Pirates improved to 6-3 as freshman midfielder Maddox Tharp scored the lone goal. Boys Golf At Spring Lake Country Club, Quincy Quincy Ryder Cup: Quincy…

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Scoreboard for Wednesday, September 15

Quincy Notre Dame's Haley Mayer, right, drives a shot between the block of Payson Seymour's Saige Gillmore, left, and Maggie Stanford, center, during Wednesday night's match at the Pit. Matt Schuckman photo

Girls Volleyball At The Pit, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame d. Payson Seymour: The Raiders rolled to their 11th straight victory, winning 25-9, 25-14. Abbey Schreacke with nine kills for QND, which is 11-0. At Mendon, Ill. Unity d. Beardstown: Ashlynn Arnsman had six kills, 11 service points, five aces and four blocks in leading the…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, September 11

College Football At QU Stadium, Quincy Quincy University 59, Iowa Wesleyan 27 At Ellison Poulton Stadium, Canton, Mo. Culver-Stockton College 38, Evangel 35 Men’s Soccer At John Wood Community College, Quincy JWCC 2, Heartland 1: The Trail Blazers’ Adam Naim converted a penalty kick in the first overtime to knock off the nation’s No. 7…

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Scoreboard for Thursday, September 9

Boys Soccer At Lee Stadium, Springfield, Ill. Quincy Notre Dame 3, Springfield 3: The Raiders twice surrendered the lead, resulting in their second draw of the season. The Senators scored the game-tying goal in the 71st minute. Tanner Anderson scored twice, converting a penalty kick in the 16th minute and finishing a Leo Cann assist…

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Scoreboard for Wednesday, September 8

Men’s Soccer At Legends Stadium, Quincy Quincy University 2, Purdue Northwest 1. Click here to read the story. At Blackwell Field, Hannibal, Mo. Hannibal-LaGrange University 2, Culver-Stockton College 0: Jack Gibson made eight saves in goal for the Wildcats, but the Trojans scored once in each half to earn the victory. The Wildcats fell to…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, September 7

Boys Soccer At Flinn Stadium, Quincy Quincy High School 2, Moline 0: The Blue Devils used a stellar defensive effort and two quality goals to win their Western Big 6 Conference home opener and move to 2-0 in league play. Evan Altman and Andrew Brown scored the Blue Devils’ goals, while Carter Venvertloh had assists…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, September 4

College Football Midwestern State 48, Quincy University 27. Click here for the complete story. Culver-Stockton College 37, MidAmerica Nazarene 19. Click here for the complete story. Prep Football At Lexington, Mo. Mark Twain 36, Lexington 6: Lakoda Preston returned the opening kick of the second half for a touchdown, added another kick return for a…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, August 31

Quincy Notre Dame's Leo Cann slips his shot by Hannibal goalkeeper Parker Terrill for a goal during the Raiders' 4-1 victory against the Pirates on Tuesday night in Hannibal, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

Boys Soccer At Veterans Park, Hannibal, Mo. Quincy Notre Dame 4, Hannibal 1: The Raiders responded to allowing the tying goal midway through the first half by scoring three unanswered goals to win their third straight game. Jake Hoyt scored the go-ahead goal with two minutes remaining in the first half. Tanner Anderson scored on…

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Scoreboard for Wednesday, September 1

Boys Soccer At Advance Physical Therapy Field, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 3, Gateway Legacy Christian Academy 3. Click here for the story. Girls Tennis At Palmyra, Mo. Quincy Notre Dame 7, Palmyra 2: Raiders junior Lia Quintero set the tone for the dual victory with an 8-0 victory over Katie Rindon at No. 1 singles.…

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