Stew-Stras won their first round match in straight games at the 8-2A Mt. Pulaski State Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, 25-12, 25-14, then lost the semifinal, 25-23, 25-20, while Shelbyville Moulton faded in their first round, 3-game set at the 8-3A Riverton State Tournament, 26-24, 18-25, 15-25.
Stew-Stras advanced to play in the semifinals later on Saturday, while Shelbyville went home. Stew-Stras made it into the Final Four and was guaranteed a medal. With their semifinal loss, they will play in the 3rd Place game at Mt. Pulaski at 6 p.m.
"This was a tough match of ups and down for us," said Ram coach Brittany Pierce. "The girls came out and played well in game 1. The girls hustled and played as a team, staying focused and keeping the momentum. We began to struggle on serve receive in game 2 and had a hard time getting a good pass to our setter.
"Downs Tri-Valley got the momentum and we just struggled to get it back. We had entirely too many unforced errors in game 2 and 3, with net calls, hitting balls out of bounds, and sending Downs free ball after free ball. We simply gave them too many opportunities, whereas we struggled to even take swings because of our passing.
"These girls had an awesome season and they all improved so much. I am very, very proud of what they have accomplished. I know they will have a bright future."
Shelbyville finished 17-6 in the 8-3A State Elite Eight.
Riverton 8-3A State
Downs Tri-Valley def. Shelbyville Moulton, 24-26, 25-18, 25-15
Ram stats: Lindsey Eigsti 12 points, 4 aces, 12 assists, 6 digs; Kayla Brachbill 12 points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 5 digs; Brandy Smith 7 kills, 1 block, 6 digs; Julia Bolinger 9 points, 1 ace, 1 dig; Alexis Halbrook 3 points; Briana Ruff 4 points, 1 assist, 5 digs; Morgan Voyles 7 points, 1 ace, 5 kills, 4 digs; Morgan Lawrence 2 points, 1 kill, 5 digs; Amanda Sprague 6 points, 2 digs; Sandra Williams 4 points, 2 aces, 1 dig.
Mt. Pulaski 8-2A State
Stew-Stras def. Elmwood, 25-12, 25-14
8-2A Semifinal
Colchester West Prairie def. Stew-Stras, 25-23, 25-20.
*Watch for web updates with the complete story, stats and photos.
Sports
Stew-Stras To Play For 3rd, Shelby Bows At State
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Multiple State Medalist Olivia Herzog Signs With NIU
Okaw Valley's multiple state medalist, senior Olivia Herzog, is taking her smalltown work ethic to Division-I Northern Illinois University next year. The announcemant was made on Monday at her official signing ceremony at Okaw Valley High School.
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Rams Take 9 To Sectional, Most In School History
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Pana Pulls Away From Comets
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Moulton Volleyball Splits With Meridian
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More A&M Options Beat Rams
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Pana Volleyball Sweeps Greenville
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Shelby Bows Out With Strong Finish
The Shelbyville Lady Rams lost to Tolono by 17 points recently in conference play. They had a shot at revenge in the opening round of the Meridian 2A Regional on Monday night and matched Tolono stride for stride in three of the four quarters, and cut the margin of defeat in half from the first meeting. Still, the Rams bowed out of the season with a 46-38 loss.
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Pana Wins Two More In SCC
Pana basketball (19-2) won two more games in the SCC conference this week, beating Vandalia, 65-60, on Tuesday, then beating Hillsboro on Friday, 76-53.
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Ram wrestling got a good start to the postseason on Saturday at the Argenta 1A Regional, advancing 9 of their 12 participants on to sectional. The Rams took third place at regional with 138 points. Four Rams placed 2nd, four Rams placed 3rd, and one Ram placed 4th.
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