Effingham, Stew-Stras Reach State Volleyball Tournaments

Effingham and Stewardson-Strasburg claimed victories in seventh-grade sectional competitions to reach state volleyball tournaments in their respective classes.

Class 7-4A Mattoon Sectional

Effingham claimed the championship of the Mattoon Sectional with a victory over Champaign Edison Monday evening.

The Mustangs won the opener 25-12 before Edison came back with a 25-21 victory. The Mustangs then claimed the sectional title with a 25-21 score.

Effingham is now 23-4 on the season and will be competing in the Class 7-4A State Tournament at East Peoria Central Junior High School Saturday, March 15.

The Mustangs will take on Channahon (23-0) in opening round play at 3:30 p.m. In the third match at 2:15 p.m., Manteno meets Homer Glen Homer. In other opening round play, Edwardsville Lincoln faces Frankfort Summit Hill at 10 a.m. while Mount Zion takes on Bloomington at 11:15 a.m.

The winners then advance to semifinal round play at 1 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The third place and championship matches will take place Tuesday, March 18.

Class 7-1A Stewardson-Strasburg Sectional

Stewardson-Strasburg claimed the championship of its own sectional by downing Grayville. Stew-Stras won in two sets 25-14, 26-24.

Stew-Stras improves to 17-5 on the season and will be taking on Cissna Park Saturday at 10 a.m. in opening round play of the Class 1-A State Tournament at Pawnee Junior High/High School. In the second match, Royal Prairieview Ogden meets Lovejoy at 11:15 a.m., Decatur Our Lady of Lourdes takes on Peoria Limestone Walters at 2:15 p.m. and Pontiac St. Mary's faces Mount Pulaski at 3:30 p.m. The semifinals are scheduled for 1 and 5:15 p.m.

The third place and championship matches will be held Tuesday, March 18.

Class 1-A Stew-Stras Sectional

Stew-Stras -- Reed, 3 aces, 1 kill, 7 assists, 8 points; Tabbert, 3 aces, 8 kills, 9 points; Davis, 3 aces, 1 kill, 12 points; Weeden, 2 aces, 11 points; Waldhoff, 1 ace, 1 kill, 2 assists, 7 points; Vonderheide, 4 points