Stewardson Trinity Finishes Second At State

The 2023 Trinity Lutheran volleyball squad captured second place at the SIJHSAA State Tournament. Front row, left to right, Lydia Weaver, Emma Hickman, Abree Zalman, Tabitha Weaver, Sienna Bostedo, Zaida Wascher, Kierra Mueller, Callie Friese, Gabby Cushman and Alyssa Zacha. Back row, left to right, Tammy Manhart, Alaira Friese, Rachel Weaver, Kalia Friese, Kenzie Thompson, Colby McCormick, Mya Friese, Carrah Daniels, Elizabeth Hampton, Brinlie Durbin, Katie Durbin and Bridgitte Friese.

Stewardson Trinity competed in the SIJHSAA Class S State Volleyball Tournament Saturday at Herrin High School.

Trinity won round one over Ewing, 25-18, 26-24. The squad then downed DeSoto, 25-10, 25-10. In semifinal round action, Trinity defeated Chester St. John's. The team lost the opener 25-21 but came back with 25-16, 15-12 scores for the match.

In the championship, Stewardson Trinity fell to Germantown, 25-23, 25-10 to finish its outstanding season at 32-1.

"It was a big day again with four matches in one day," said Trinity Coach Tammy Manhart. "We fell short of our season goal of repeating state champs. We faced a very talented team in the championship match and just ran out of steam."It was a big day again with four matches in one day," said Trinity Coach Tammy Manhart. "We fell short of our season goal of repeating state champs. We faced a very talented team in the championship match and just ran out of steam.

"In our first match, we were a little slow in finding our rhythm but made it through the first round.

"In our second match we played very well and cruised past Desoto to advance to the final four. From this point I knew it was going to be tough. The remaining teams were all good and we had to play hard to win.

"We did not start the match against Chester as aggressive as I’d liked and lost the first set. I lit a fire under the girls between sets and they came out and took control from the start of the second set beating Chester and advancing to the championship match.

"After a 20 minute break we began the championship match. The girls fought hard in the first set and just ran out of gas in the second. Germantown was a solid team digging most of what we hit at them and answering with a strong attack.

"Even though it hurt at the moment, I am so proud of these girls and the things that they have accomplished this year. As for my seven eighth-graders, I am going to miss them. They have been the heart of Trinity volleyball for several years now and have left their mark. They have been great role models for the younger players, my daughters included, and have put a spark in their eye of what hard work and dedication can get you.  I wish them the best of luck in their high school careers."

Reception -- There will be a fire truck parade and a reception at the school Friday. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. with the reception to follow.

Class S State Tournament

Stewardson Trinity -- Sienna Bostedo, 9 points, 1 kill, 42 assists, 7 digs; Kalia Friese, 5 points, 2 aces, 2 kills, 36 assists, 13 digs; Mya Friese, 27 points, 13 aces, 35 kills, 1 assist, 42 digs; Colby McCormick, 28 points, 7 aces, 38 kills, 1 assist, 23 digs; Kenzie Thompson, 22 points, 7 aces, 9 kills, 3 digs, 1 block; Carrah Daniels, 2 kills, 1 dig; Zaida Wascher, 20 points, 7 aces, 1 kill, 3 assists, 27 digs