Mater Dei Sweeps U-High to Earn Spot in Sectional Championship -

Breese Mater Dei kept its postseason run moving Tuesday night, defeating Normal University High 25-18, 25-9 in an IHSA Class 3A sectional semifinal at Decatur MacArthur High School.

The Knights’ straight-set victory secured a place in the sectional championship against Normal West, which defeated Centralia in the evening’s other semifinal.

Mater Dei took the opening set by seven points, putting the Pioneers in a must-win position entering the second. U-High was unable to extend the match, however, as the Knights followed with a commanding 25-9 finish to complete the sweep.

The victory improved Mater Dei to 32-3, while U-High concluded its season at 22-16. The Knights entered the sectional with a 31-3 record and carried that successful season into another postseason victory.

For U-High, Emma Eloiza and Nina Harden each recorded four kills, while Kyla Kasten added three. Addison Donahue contributed two kills, and Taylor Penn finished with one.

The Pioneers also received six digs from Addison Leverton. Donahue and Penn each added four digs, while Aylin Erins contributed three. Harden and Sadie Mehn recorded two apiece, and Eloiza added one.

Despite those contributions, U-High could not force a deciding third set against a Mater Dei team that allowed just 27 points across the match.

The loss marked the final high school volleyball appearance for U-High seniors Avery Holzhauer, Eloiza, Harden and Penn. The Pioneers ended their season with a winning record and a trip to the sectional semifinals.

For Mater Dei, the postseason continues with a roster that includes seniors Ava Lampe, Livia Goebel, Lila Huelsman, Avery Patton and Marlie Haag, along with junior middle hitter Adrienne Rakers and sophomore outside hitter Reese Kreke.

The Knights now turn their attention to Normal West, with a sectional championship and a berth in the super-sectional round at stake.