Markert’s presence will be invaluable asset as Brown County begins postseason journey

Brown County senior forward Ashlee Markert is expected to use her experience, leadership and voice to lead the Hornets on a postseason run in Class 1A. | Shane Hulsey photo

MT. STERLING, Ill. — Brown County girls basketball coach Dave Phelps may not prefer it, but he can live with Hornets senior forward Ashlee Markert leaving a practice early or even missing an occasional team activity. He knows it’s what Markert needs to do. Signed to play volleyball at Western Illinois University, the 6-foot-1 Markert…

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Panthers’ scrappiness not enough to overcome Stags’ offense in sectional championship match

A Hartsburg-Emden attacker hits a ball between the block of Camp Point Central's Kayli Bockhold, left, and Peyton Ehrhardt during Thursday's Class 1A sectional championship match in Hartsburg, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

HARTSBURG, Ill. — The scrappiness that catapulted the Camp Point Central volleyball team to Thursday’s Class 1A Hartsburg-Emden Sectional championship match was there. The Panthers just could not translate that scrappiness into enough points. Hartsburg-Emden captured the sectional championship on its home floor by sweeping the Panthers 25-17, 25-19. “It was just too much defense…

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

The Camp Point Central volleyball players celebrate their first regional championship since 2012 after beating Mendon Unity in straight sets Thursday night in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

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…

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Photo gallery: QHS volleyball team falls in straight sets to O’Fallon in regional title tilt

Quincy High School middle hitter Madison Loos, center, hits the ball past O’Fallon’s Kayden Criss, left, and Gabby Behling during Thursday night’s Class 4A Collinsville Regional championship at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School volleyball team saw its season end with a 25-20, 25-18 loss to O’Fallon on Thursday night in the championship of the Class 4A Collinsville Regional in Vergil Fletcher Gym. Photographer Tim Vizer was there and put together this photo gallery for Muddy River Sports:

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Miller, Panthers to face Mustangs with chance to win regional title on home floor

The Camp Point Central volleyball team, featuring Lauren Miller, left, and Marlee Long, will play for a Class 1A regional championship Thursday night against Mendon Unity in Camp Point, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — When pressed, Lauren Miller will somewhat begrudgingly pick a preferred sport. “Basketball is probably my favorite, but I also enjoy volleyball a lot,” she said. “I have a lot of friends on both teams.” And make no mistake, Miller, a 5-foot-10 all-state basketball player for Camp Point Central, is pretty good…

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Mustangs earn third shot at Panthers with mind set on changing outcome of first two matches

The Mendon Unity volleyball team will attempt to win its fourth straight regional championship when it faces Camp Point Central at 6 p.m. Thursday in Camp Point, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Maybe the third time will be the charm for the Mendon Unity volleyball team. The Mustangs dispatched Liberty 25-20, 24-26, 25-17 in Wednesday night’s Class 1A Camp Point Central Regional semifinals, which sets up an interesting matchup in the championship match. Unity (25-12) will challenge regional host Camp Point Central (24-7)…

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Postseason volleyball scoreboard

QUINCY — Here are the results and schedules for the Illinois High School Association prep volleyball regionals involving area teams: Class 4A  Collinsville Regional Tue., Oct. 29 Game 1 — No. 2 O’Fallon d. No. 6 Collinsville, 25-17, 25-9 Game 2 — No. 3 Quincy d. No. 5 Belleville East, 25-22, 25-13 Thu., Oct. 31 Game…

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Lutheran St. Charles continues to be Hannibal volleyball team’s postseason nemesis

Hannibal junior Malia Stolte led the Pirates with 11 kills and dished out nine assists in the Class 4 District 4 championship loss to Lutheran St. Charles on Monday night in Chesterfield, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — For the second straight season, Lutheran St. Charles got in the Hannibal volleyball team’s way of a district championship. The Cougars beat the Pirates 25-17, 25-22, 25-20 on Monday at Parkway Central High School to capture the Class 4 District 4 title. Lutheran St. Charles also swept Hannibal in last year’s district…

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Sweep of Alleman on Senior Night continues to show revitalization of QHS volleyball program

The five seniors on the Quincy High School volleyball team celebrate a pregame ceremony with their parents Thursday prior to the Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Rock Island Alleman at the QHS gym. | Aaron Beaston photo

QUINCY — The end is near. Of the regular season, that is.  And the Quincy High School volleyball team feels it is in a good place as the stretch run beckons. The Blue Devils dispatched Rock Island Alleman in straight sets on Thursday night, raising their overall record to 22-10 and Western Big 6 Conference…

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Bombers finish second, Pirates beat Blue Devils in cross-river rematch at QHS Invitational

Ayanna Douglas spikes the ball during a game at Saturday's QHS Invitational. - Photo by Shane Hulsey

QUINCY — After more than 10 hours of volleyball, it’s only fitting that the final match of Saturday’s Quincy High School Invitational provided another three-set thriller. Macomb outlasted Freeburg 25-13, 21-25, 15-9 to earn second place in the tournament. The Bombers fell behind 5-3 in the third set after a long, grueling rally that lasted…

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Stortzum, Bombers serve up backbreaking run to start second set in sweep of Suns

Macomb's Kate Stortzum prepares to serve during Wednesday night's prep volleyball match against Southeastern at The Hangar in Macomb, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

MACOMB, Ill. — Macomb volleyball coach Briana Rexroat didn’t know why, but she had a vision leading up to the Bombers’ heavyweight clash with Southeastern on Wednesday. “For some reason, all day I was envisioning 25-12,” Rexroat said. “I just kept seeing those two numbers.” Nostradamus would have been proud. Rexroat’s vision came true in…

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Set up for success: Fully adjusted to position change, Rexroat guides Bombers to undefeated start

Macomb senior setter Quinn Rexroat leaves a backset for one of the Bombers' hitters during a match earlier this season in the Washington Street Gym in Macomb, Ill. | Photo courtesy Andrea Ratermann

MACOMB, Ill. — The doubt Quinn Rexroat once had has transformed into confidence. Rexroat had mixed feelings about moving from libero, a position she had played for the first six years of her volleyball career, to setter as a freshman at Macomb High School. “I just liked controlling the defense and I didn’t really like…

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Three-set victory over Sterling in WB6 play continues to show QHS volleyball team’s tenacity

The Quincy High School volleyball team and its bench react to winning a crucial point in the third set of Thursday's Western Big 6 Conference victory over Sterling at the QHS gym. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — Fearless. If Quincy High School volleyball coach Kate Brown had to pick one adjective to describe the way her team is playing right now, this is the one she would choose. “They’ve found that fight and the fuel to the fire,” Brown said. The Blue Devils scratched and clawed their way to a…

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Hannibal volleyball squad wins third consecutive match ahead of beginning NCMC play

Hannibal's Malia Stolte tips the ball over the net during Wednesday's match against Wentzville Holt at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal volleyball team gave Wentzville Holt all it could handle in sweeping the Indians 25-14, 25-16, 25-14 at Korf Gym on Wednesday night. The Pirates’ Malia Stolte notched a triple-double with 10 kills, 14 assists and 10 digs. Abbie Martin had 13 digs, five aces and four kills. Aly Falconer had…

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‘We all mesh well together’: Archer’s return to volleyball court helps Indians become contender

Payson Seymour senior Ella Archer, right, has been a welcome addition to the Indians' lineup upon her return after a one-year hiatus. | Shane Hulsey photo

PAYSON, Ill. — You can take Ella Archer out of volleyball, but you can’t take volleyball out of Ella Archer. The Payson Seymour do-everything senior, who also plays softball and basketball, decided to step away from volleyball during her junior year. “I just needed a break, a little time off to kind of regroup,” Archer…

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Photo gallery: Championship Saturday at Lady Suns Classic ends with Southeastern on top

Southeastern's Kenzie Griswold delivers a kill during Saturday's match against Rushville-Industry in championship pool play in the Lady Suns Classic on Saturday in Augusta, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photo,click here to visit our SmugMug site. AUGUSTA, Ill. — The Southeastern volleyball team capped a perfect week by winning the championship of the Lady Suns Classic. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent Saturday courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: A night at the Lady Suns Classic

Liberty's Claire Obert, left, and Andi Mixer, right, attempt to block a shot by Biggsville West Central's Rylie Ferguson during Thursday's action at the Lady Suns Classic in Augusta, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site AUGUSTA, Ill. — The Lady Suns Classic rolled into its third night of play Thursday with five prep volleyball matches involving teams from across the area. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent the evening at Southeastern High…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 3: QHS girls tennis team finally plays, Highland with key softball win

Blue Devils finally open season, net first victory CHATHAM, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls tennis team had its first two regular-season events canceled, which meant Tuesday’s dual against Chatham Glenwood turned into the Blue Devils’ season opener and first victory with a 6-3 decision. The Blue Devils’ won three singles matches in tiebreakers,…

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Mind over matter: Blue Devils looking to bring right mental focus to pursuit of postseason success

Quincy High School senior hitter Ayanna Douglas will be a versatile part of the Blue Devils' attack. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — From her time playing college volleyball, Kate Brown understands the mental battles student-athletes go through. “I was terrible with mental toughness,” Brown said. “I would get so mad at myself. It wasn’t necessarily at my team, it was at me for not doing the things I know how to do.” That personal experience…

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Sister, sister: With knee fully healthy, senior Amanda Stephens joins younger sibling to lead Suns

Amanda Stephens, left, and her younger sister, Kara, will lead the Southeastern volleyball team in pursuit of a trip to the Class 1A state tournament this fall. | Shane Hulsey photo

AUGUSTA, Ill. — Amanda Stephens’ troublesome knee isn’t giving her trouble any longer. A senior setter and hitter on the Southeastern volleyball team, who has committed to Indiana University-Indianapolis, missed the final 12 matches of her junior season and watched the Suns fall in the Class 1A sectional semifinals all because the pain in her…

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Photo gallery: Action gets underway as Hannibal teams prepare for fall seasons

One of the Hannibal football players grabs a drink of water during a break in practice Monday morning at Porter Stadium. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A new year has begun. Award-winning freelance photographer Mathew Kirby spent Monday criss-crossing the Hannibal High School campus and venturing out to the Veterans Elementary sports complex as Hannibal teams opened fall practice. He even made it to Norwoods Golf Course for the girls golf team’s practice. Kirby put together this photo…

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All Four one, one Four all: Rebranded volleyball club puts roots down right here at home

Players participate in a Club Four volleyball camp at Quincy University's Health & Fitness Center in June. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The challenges of playing, practicing, studying and sleeping on the road in order to play club volleyball are things Gabbie Wiley Weiman and Josie Stanford endured in their pursuit of high level competition and college scholarships. They don’t want the next generation to find it so arduous. “We had to go to St.…

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Suns unable to stem changing tide late in second set, fall to Comets in Class 1A super-sectional

Southeastern's Kenzie Griswold, right, drives a shot past a Sterling Newman Central Catholic block during Friday's Class 1A Eastland Super-Sectional in Lanark, Ill. | Photo courtesy Earleen Hinton, Shaw Media

LANARK, Ill. — After falling into a deep hole to start Friday night’s Class 1A Eastland Super-Sectional, the Southeastern volleyball team looked like it had recovered and regained control of the match. But the Suns couldn’t fend off a Sterling Newman Central Catholic rally in the second set, and the Class 1A runners-up from a…

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Suns continue to rise to occasion, fight back in third set to win sectional championship

The Southeastern volleyball team won the Class 1A Brimfield Sectional championship with a three-set victory over Hartsburg-Emden on Wednesday night. | Submitted photo

BRIMFIELD, Ill. — The Southeastern volleyball team’s cardiac kids made a comeback. More than one comeback, to be precise.  Down 10 points in the decisive third set Wednesday night, the Suns staged an epic rally to defeat Hartsburg-Emden 25-11, 21-25, 28-26 in the Class 1A Brimfield Sectional final. To Southeastern coach Tim Kerr, his team’s…

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Defensive-minded Bombers earn spot in highly anticipated sectional championship

Macomb coach Briana Rexroat, center, hugs one of her players as the Bombers celebrate going into a timeout during the second set of Monday's Class 2A sectional semifinal victory over Sherrard at Farmington, ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

FARMINGTON, Ill. — Taking the court under the watchful eyes of a rival and future foe could have been slightly unnerving. Facing an opponent looking for retribution could have, too. The Macomb volleyball team ignored it all and delivered a prime in-the-moment effort Monday night, dispatching Sherrard 25-15, 25-14 in the semifinals of the Class…

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Blue Devils fight to bitter end, fall to Ironmen in Class 4A regional volleyball championship

The Normal Community volleyball team celebrates after beating Quincy High School in straight sets and winning the Class 4A Quincy Regional championship at the QHS gym. | Photo courtesy Libby Phelps

QUINCY — Quincy High School senior libero Carley Owsley wasn’t about to go down without a fight. “I was prepared for them to be all over the place and to make me move,” Owsley said Thursday night. “I wanted every ball.” And Owsley was able to dig a lot of them as the sixth-seeded Blue…

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Mustangs finish with flourish to sweep Hornets and advance to Class 1A sectional

The Unity volleyball team won the Class 1A Unity Regional championship with a 25-11, 25-21 victory over Brown County on Thursday night in Mendon, Ill. | Submitted photo

MENDON, Ill. — Maybe, just maybe, the Unity volleyball team needed a wake-up call. The Mustangs, who won the first set against Brown County with relative ease Thursday night, eventually needed a fast-and-furious finish in round two to deliver a knockout punch. “I think we got a little ahead of ourselves after that first game,”…

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Suns serve up another regional championship, overwhelm Red Storm to reach sectionals

The Southeastern volleyball team beat Monmouth United 25-16, 25-6 in the championship match of the Class 1A Biggsville West Central Regional. | Submitted photo

BIGGSVILLE, Ill. — Tim Kerr willingly accepted the blame. Ahead of Thursday night’s Class 1A Biggsville West Central Regional championship match, the Southeastern volleyball coach searched through some stats and realized senior Abbey McMillen had missed only eight serves all season and was serving at a 98-percent clip. He never should have looked it up…

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Bombers hope to continue trend taking them toward sectional volleyball championship

A 25-12, 25-19 victory over Monmouth-Roseville in the Class 2A regional championship sends the Macomb volleyball team to the Farmington Sectional. | Submitted photo

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Each season, the Macomb volleyball team has inched closer to being a sectional champion. Monday, the Bombers hope the trend continues. Macomb will carry its 32-3 record to the Class 2A Farmington Sectional, where it will face Sherrard in the semifinals following Thursday’s 25-12, 25-19 victory over Monmouth-Roseville in the Class 2A…

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Photo gallery: Unity, Brown County advance to regional volleyball championship

The Unity volleyball team swept Western in two sets Wednesday night in the semifinals of the Class 1A Unity Regional in Mendon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett

MENDON, Ill. — The Unity volleyball team launched its pursuit of a Class 1A state tournament berth with a flurry. Brown County did the same. Now the two must go head-to-head to see who survives. The Mustangs and Hornets won Class 1A Unity Regional semifinals Wednesday night in straight sets, propelling them to the regional…

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The Rundown: Hannibal soccer coach hits career milestone, QND settles for draw, Ritterbusch with four hits for Highland

Plenty of action across the board Thursday. Here is a look at some of the things that happened: • Hannibal boys soccer coach Eric Hill reached a milestone with the Pirates’ 3-0 North Central Missouri Conference victory at Fulton. It was his 300th career victory. Drew Porter, Colton Dryden and DaeShon Glasgow each scored for…

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