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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | October 31, 2023
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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | October 31, 2023
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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