Published on March 31, 2025 12:08 pm
Last Updated on March 31, 2025 12:10 pm
Written by Millie Lange
Stewardson Trinity fell short in opening round play of the SIJHSAA Class M State Volleyball Tournament during the weekend.
Trinity fell in opening round play to Ewing, 25-23, 19-25, 28-26.
“We lost our first match of the day in a tough three set match to Ewing,” said Coach Tammy Manhart. “Sixteen teams started the day. Germantown beat Cisne in the championship match, 25-21, 24-26, 19-17.
“We started off very rough. This was the first time playing in the State Tournament for all but one of my players. Now we have played in big matches before, but the girls were really nervous. It took us most of the first set to setting in and find our groove. It was tied 23-23 and we lost 25-23.
“The second set was back and forth most of the way until we pulled ahead 18-14 but then we lost the serve. They went on a run taking the lead and stretching it to 22-18. The next few plays were back and forth point-for-point until Gia Bostedo served five straight points to push it to a third set. The girls made some really great plays in those last few points giving us some momentum moving into the third set. We jumped out to 11-4 lead but with too many errors on our side and some aggressive play by Ewing we lost 16-14.
“It was a great season and great year for Trinity volleyball. I am so proud of all the accomplishments and growth of this team. Last fall we won the Springfield Round Robin, third in the Christ Peoria tourney, and won the Lutheran State championship.
“This spring we won the seventh- and eighth-grade Newton St. Thomas tournaments, won the St Anthony eighth-grade tourney, won our regional and made it to the Sweet 16 of the SIJHSAA State tournament. We will be losing four eighth-graders this year who have left their mark at Trinity. They will be greatly missed but we are excited to see what their future holds. Thank you girls for all your hard work and dedication to Trinity.”
Class M State Tournament
Stewardson Trinity — Bostedo, 10 points, 1 ace, 12 assists, 9 digs; Reed, 4 points, 10 assists, 4 digs; Friese, 1 point, 11 kills, 1 assist, 24 digs; Zalman, 15 points, 9 kills, 9 digs; Weaver, 1 kill, 1 dig; Stigers, 1 kill, 2 digs; Montgomery, 1 kill; Manhart, 4 points, 12 digs