Stewardson Trinity Wins 32nd Annual Christ Peoria VB Tourney

Stewardson Trinity won the 32nd Annual Christ Peoria Volleyball Tournament. Members of the team are, front row, left to right, Gia Bostedo, Kenzie Thompson, Carrah Daniels, Elizabeth Hampton, Zaida Wascher, Mya Friese, Colby McCormick and Maddy Manhart. Back row, left to right, Tammy Manhart, Ayssa Zacha, Abree Zalman, Gabby Cushman, Kalia Friese, Sienna Bostedo, Kierra Mueller, Callie Friese, Bridgitte Friese and Katie Durbin.

PEORIA -- Stewardson Trinity competed in the 32nd Annual Christ Peoria Volleyball Tournament and won the championship during the weekend.

The squad defeated Concordia Peoria, 21-10, 21-3; won over Our Savior, 21-7, 21-13; beat Zion Staunton, 21-12, 21-1; defeated Trinity Bloomington, 21-7, 21-8 and downed Trinity Edwardsville, 21-15, 21-11. In the championship, Trinity won over Christ Peoria, 29-27, 20-25, 25-23.

"The girls got better with each match we played," said Coach Tammy Manhart. "We lost two eighth-graders last year so we had a couple new players in the mix.  It was so fun to watch the girls grow as a team as the tournament progressed.  The championship was the toughest match.  It was an intense battle between two very good teams.

"We finished fourth last year to Trinity Edwardsville,  just short of the championship match. We faced Edwardsville in that same match again this year but came out victorious.  It is so rewarding for a coach to see players develop their skills and mental toughness from year to year.

"This group of girls were determined to win first this year. Their mental toughness was definitely tested in the championship match. I am so proud of  these girls and look forward to helping them achieve their next goal of Lutheran state champions. We will compete in the Lutheran State Tournament the first weekend in November."

Three Cardinals were named to the All-Tournament team, Mya Friese, Colby McCormick and Kalia Friese.

Christ Peoria Tournament

Stewardson Trinity -- Bostedo, 19 points, 5 aces, 3 kills, 54 assists, 14 digs; Friese, 24 points, 18 aces, 8 kills, 40 assists, 11 digs, 1 block; Friese, 56 points, 28 aces, 41 kills, 29 digs; McCormick, 27 points, 15 aces, 34 kills, 13 digs; Thompson, 17 points, 7 aces, 9 kills, 1 dig, 3 blocks; Daniels, 6 kills, 1 dig; Wascher, 28 points, 12 aces, 3 kills, 17 digs