Normal West Sweeps Centralia to Advance to Sectional Championship -

Normal West moved one step closer to a sectional title Tuesday night, defeating Centralia 25-15, 25-9 in an IHSA Class 3A sectional semifinal at Decatur MacArthur High School. The straight-set victory sent the Wildcats into the sectional championship and brought the Annies’ postseason run to a close.

The Wildcats took the opening set by 10 points before delivering an even more decisive finish in the second. Centralia needed a second-set victory to extend the match, but Normal West held the Annies to single digits to complete the sweep.

With the win, Normal West improved to 30-8, while Centralia finished its season at 23-14. Both teams entered the matchup following regional championship victories.

Head coach Kelsey Mueller’s Wildcats entered sectionals with a roster featuring seniors Laine Thompson, Eden Hafermann, Ella Feltes, Ellie Ostling and Avery Dodge. Tuesday’s victory extended their final high school postseason run and gave Normal West an opportunity to compete for another championship.

For Centralia, the loss concluded a season that included a regional title and a trip to the sectional round under head coach Angie Edson. The Annies swept Mattoon in the regional semifinals before defeating Mt. Zion in straight sets to earn their place in Tuesday’s matchup.

The sectional appearance also marked the final match for Centralia seniors Ashya Tabor, Brylee Bailey, Rorie Lambert and Marley Edson. Although their season ended short of the sectional championship, the Annies closed the year with a winning record and regional championship hardware.

Normal West advances to face Breese Mater Dei for the sectional title. Mater Dei secured its spot with a 25-18, 25-9 victory over Normal University High in the other semifinal.