Cissna Park advances to state volleyball finals with semifinal win over Tremont
The Lady Timberwolves advance to state volleyball title match after a win over Tremont. Addison Lucht led the T-Wolves with 14 kills.
NORMAL - Cissna Park advanced to the state title match after defeating the Tremont in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Normal. It is the first time the Lady Timberwolves have reached the championship match since 2014.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie after their semifinal win over Tremont.
While it was an unseasonably warm day outside, inside the arena, the T-Wolves were hot, warming up for a run to a state title easily handling Turks with their offensive firepower.
Cissna Park posted 19 kills in the first set and 15 in the second, with Addison Lucht leading the team with 14 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Josie Neukomm added 10 kills and five digs, while Ella Schluter set up 14 assists. Mady Marcott distributed a match-high 16 balls, keeping the offense moving efficiently.
Tremont managed just 16 kills across two sets, eight in each. Nora Parson contributed five kills, three blocks, and three aces. Hayden Alwerdt had four kills and three digs, Kaylee Johnson set up 11 assists, and Carly Whitcomb recorded 10 digs. The Turks kept the first set close through the first 26 points, trading sideouts with Cissna Park, but a three-point run followed by a four-point surge gave the Lady Timberwolves a 19-14 lead they would not surrender.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Turks Kaylee Johnson back sets the ball during the second set. The senior setter entered the final four on Friday with 481 assists to her credit.
The second set was more competitive early on, but Cissna Park’s consistent offense and momentum proved decisive. Balanced scoring and strong team distribution helped the Lady Timberwolves maintain control and secure the win.
With this victory, Cissna Park returns to the state championship match, looking to capture its first state volleyball title since their previous deep run in 2014. Tremont, while competitive in stretches, could not overcome the T-Wolves’ scoring runs, ending their season in the semifinals.
Cissna Park will play for the state championship Saturday at CEFCU Arena, hoping to convert semifinal success into a historic title.
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Cissna Park volleyball, IHSA girls volleyball, Tremont Turks, Illinois high school sports, state finals volleyball
