Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
ST. JOSEPH - Unity student fans rush the floor after the Rockets defeated regional host St. Joseph-Ogden in an exciting three-set affair in Tuesday's Class 2A semifinal match. Two days later, fans had another reason to celebrate after Unity defeated Westville in straight sets 25-22, 25-15. The Rockets advance to the Clinton sectional semifinal to face Illini Prairie Conference foe Bloomington Central Catholic at 6 p.m. this Tuesday.
More match photos
Claire Meharry celebrate her kill for the Rockets in set two. Unity trailed by as many as four points early in the set, finally tying the contest at 12-all. The two Illini Prairie Conference foes would knot the score five more times until the Rockets scored four unanswered points from a 21-21 score late in set.
LEFT: Emily Osterbur sets the ball for the Rockets. After losing the first set 25-14, Osterbur's passing was a critical factor in Unity's second set rally. MIDDLE: Trying to erase a three-point deficit on the scoreboard, senior Jillian Schlittler serves midway in Set 2. RIGHT: Unity head coach Leah Luchinski gives instructions to her front row players after her team narrows the gap on the scoreboard.
Deri Behm, the bench and student fans celebrate a critical point for the Rockets. Behm is one of eight seniors on this season's Unity volleyball squad.
LEFT: Jillian Schlittler keeps the ball in play for the Rockets. Unity fought back after a slow start to take command of the match, taking set two from the Spartans, 25-21.
MIDDLE: Unity fans sat on the edge of their seats as Rockets fought valiantly to hold off St. Joseph-Ogden's mini-rally to the score at 19-all as Schlittler makes a pass to their outside hitter.
RIGHT: Schlittler back sets to middle hitter to start a four-point run. After tying the match 1-all with a 25-21 second set victory, the Rockets hit their stride to take the second 25-22, eliminating rival St. Joseph-Ogden from the postseason.
The Sabers (33-4), led by a balanced offense and impenetrable defense, established dominance early in the first set. Despite SJO's strong efforts, which included 13 kills in the opener, they struggled to maintain momentum.
Senior Ava Seggebruch spearheaded the Spartans' offense, tallying six kills and contributing two blocks and five digs. The Spartans aimed to turn the tide after the initial setback, but St. Thomas More's cohesive play kept SJO on the defensive in the second set.
Fellow senior Reese Wheatley joined Seggebruch in leading the defensive efforts, contributing the Spartans’ two blocks, while Ally Schmitz and Tinley Ideus added offensive depth with five and four kills, respectively. Ideus also showcased her defensive agility, totaling 10 digs, while Thea Smith supported with four saves. x
Setter Emma McKinney delivered 16 assists, keeping the offense in motion as SJO fought to stay within striking distance of the Sabers.
This year's St. Joseph-Ogden varsity squad was made up of Katie Ericksen, Kylie Barrowman, Timera Blackburn-Kelley, Tinley Ideus, Ally Schmitz, Amelia Huckstadt, Thea Smith, Addison Brooks, Hadley McDonald, Emma McKinney, Lillian Ahart, Adelyn Childers, Reese Wheatley, Emma Wells, Ava Midkiff, Ava Seggebruch, Vivian Smith, McKenzie Atwood, Adeline Stevens, Alivia Learned, Kayla Osterbur, Lexie Barrowman, and Emerson Williams.
St. Thomas More advances to the Monticello section semifinal on Tuesday against Maroa-Forsyth.
