Raiders show composure in face of adversity, capture regional title

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.

QND lost the first set Thursday night to sixth-seeded Illini West, only to regroup, refocus and regain its edge in a 23-25, 25-14, 25-14 victory. It is the 23rd regional championship in program history and the sixth consecutive crown, highlighted by the Raiders’ composure.

“We had to play through it and play together,” QND junior middle Abbey Schreacke said of losing that first set. “We picked up the energy.”

That was clearly lacking even in a boisterous gym.

“We didn’t play like our normal team,” freshman setter Annie Eaton said.

A couple of corrections enabled the Raiders to showcase their strengths.

“Our passing was much more controlled and our serving was much more controlled,” QND coach Courtney Kvitle said.

Schreacke led the Raiders with 10 kills, three blocks and one ace, while Eaton had 21 assists and four blocks, Emma Borrowman had six kills and two blocks and Emma Hoing had 10 kills.

QND (30-4) advances to the Knoxville Sectional and will face Port Byron Riverdale at 5:30 p.m. Monday. Princeton and Macomb will square off in the other semifinal. The sectional championship will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday.