The Clinton Maroons continued their strong start to the 2026 volleyball season with another solid performance, earning a 2-0 varsity victory over the Mt. Pulaski Lady Hilltoppers.
Clinton took the opening set 25-19 before following with a 25-20 victory in Set 2, completing the straight-set sweep over a Mt. Pulaski team that continued to battle throughout the night.
The opening set saw both teams settle into the match before Clinton began to establish an advantage. Mt. Pulaski stayed within striking distance and challenged the Maroons through stretches of the frame, but Clinton consistently found answers when the Lady Hilltoppers attempted to make a run.
With an experienced varsity group featuring seniors Paisley Schick, Sierra Sickles and Kate Parrish, the Maroons maintained their composure and gradually created the separation they needed.
Clinton eventually closed out the opening set 25-19, putting the Maroons one set away from the victory.
Mt. Pulaski responded with another competitive effort in Set 2.
The Lady Hilltoppers, led by head coach Emma Aper, continued to push Clinton and kept themselves in the battle. Seniors Jessi Wade and Audrey Cooper helped provide experience for a Mt. Pulaski roster that also features a large junior class, including Mariah Stone, Eva Leonard, Elyssa Marten, Addison Copeland, Andrea Noltensmeier and Haylee Werts.
But once again, Clinton was able to find the points it needed to maintain control.
The Maroons continued to apply pressure as the second set progressed and prevented Mt. Pulaski from generating the extended run necessary to swing momentum. With the Lady Hilltoppers still battling late, Clinton finished the job with a 25-20 victory to secure the match in straight sets.
While Clinton ultimately controlled the final result, Mt. Pulaski remained competitive and forced the Maroons to execute throughout both sets. Only 11 total points separated the teams across the night, with the Lady Hilltoppers improving from 19 points in the opener to 20 in the second frame.
For Clinton and head coach Morgan Hickman, the victory marked another strong showing after the Maroons previously opened their season with a straight-set win over Riverton. Clinton has now won each of its first four sets of the season, showing consistency in closing out matches when opportunities arise.
Mt. Pulaski, meanwhile, leaves the matchup with several positive stretches to build upon as the Lady Hilltoppers continue through the early portion of their 2026 campaign.
On this night, however, Clinton’s steady play proved to be the difference, as the Maroons took care of business in two sets.
Final
Clinton def. Mt. Pulaski, 2-0
Set 1: Clinton 25, Mt. Pulaski 19
Set 2: Clinton 25, Mt. Pulaski 20
