Stewardson Trinity Claims SIJHSAA Class S State Volleyball Tournament

Members of Stewardson Trinity include, front row, left to right, Marisa Daniels, Jasmine Shafer, Alaira Friese, Ella Kinkelaar and Kary Beitz. Middle row, left to right, Halle Moomaw, Hannah Weaver, Isabelle Gratz, Anna Schlechte, Mariah Caudill, Gabby Vonderheide and Addie Wernsing. Back row, left to right, Assistant Jamie Brown, Rachel Kessler, Jocelyn Schultz, Calla Roney, Megan Schlechte, Claire Moomaw, Martina Gratz and Coach Ronda Schlechte.

The Stewardson Trinity Cardinals competed in the SIJHSAA Class ‘S’ State Volleyball Tournament where they defended their state title Saturday at Herrin High School.

"It was a long and grueling day but we fought our way to the championship Match for the third year in a row," said Coach Ronda Schlechte.

The Cardinals end their season undefeated with a 25-0 record.

Trinity started the day facing St. Bruno, Pickneyville and won 25-7, 25-11.

"Their coach referred to my two hitters as ‘my two ferocious beasts’", said Schlechte. "Eighth-graders Megan Schlechte and Calla Roney both had solid games and came to win at all costs along with setter Jocelyn Schultz. These three are the leaders of this team and can make the impossible happen. They all work so well together and really compliment each other. Sixth-grader Anna Schlechte also contributed with team high points and aces."  

Trinity went on to defeat St. Marks, Steeleville 25-18, 25-18 to advance to the semi-finals where they beat St. Theresa, Belleville 25-14, 25-17. The Cardinals found themselves in the championship match with All Saints Academy, Breese who doubles the size of the Cardinals.

"Breese has a 237 enrollment while we have just 62. We dominated the first set 25-12 and left the Saints in shambles. The Saints came out strong in set two. They took the lead 9-2 before e scored our first true point. we struggled with serve receive until Megan served six straight points pushing to an 11-11 tie."

Trinity took the lead and kept it until the endm bringing home the championship trophy.

“I would have never guessed we would be able to take the championship match against Breese," said Coach Schlechte. "They had big hard hitters and several jump servers. They are just a solid skilled team but lack the mental strength that the we have. My girls came out ready for a fight. Every one of them played to win. We didn’t let them get to us.

"I was a bit worried in the beginning of set two with our passing but the girls turned it around and pulled through.  Megan, Calla and Jocelyn really give us a lot of strength and experience out there and they carry the team but the rest of the team has to play their game to help out. I’m so very proud of each and every one of them. We had a long and hard day but ended with an outstanding season."

There will be a State celebration Tuesday with a fire truck escort starting at 6 p.m. and a reception starting around 7 p.m.

State Tournament Statistics

Stewardson Trinity -- Jocelyn Schultz 22 pts, 9 aces, 14 digs, 77 assists; Megan Schlechte 15 pts, 7 aces, 52 kills, 17 digs, 4 assists, 2 blocks; Calla Roney 34 pts, 12 aces, 36 kills, 22 digs, 3 assists, 1 block; Anna Schlechte, 24 pts, 11 aces, 9 digs; Martina Gratz 8 pts, 1 ace, 1 kill, 14 digs; Claire Moomaw 13 pts, 4 aces, 13 digs, 1 assist; Rachel Kessler, 7 pts, 4 digs; Mariah Caudill, 3 pts, 1 kill