NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) University High School hopes to party like its 2000 on Saturday.
The Pioneers moved into their first volleyball state championship match in 25 years with a win in straight sets over Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge on Friday at CEFCU Arena. U-High won 25-20, 25-18 to advance to the class 3A title match against Nazareth Academy (21-18) on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Senior Laney Snow had 11 kills and nine digs as the Pioneers (37-4) won their 29th straight match.
Im really proud of this team. They have worked so hard this year, though all the ups and downs. They showed that tonight, said U-High head coach Ratasha Thompson. They do deserve to be in the championship match.
The Pioneers won consecutive titles in 1999 and 2000 but havent played in the state championship match since. Those teams were led by future Olympian Ogonna Nnamani.
Setters Morgan Petelin and Madi Funk had 14 assists apiece.
Knowing how much grit and how much we put into this season, it shows so much on the court, said Funk.
U-Highs last loss was to a team from Newburgh Castle, IN in a tournament on Sept. 13.
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