Illini Bluffs advances to state volleyball title game after defeating Newark

The Class 1A state volleyball tournament will feature Illini Bluffs next weekend after the Tigers defeated Newark on Monday night.

Illini Bluffs, which finished the season with a 30-4 record, won the Brimfield Supersectional match 25-17 and 25-21. Newark, finishing 35-6, had posted its best postseason result since 2019.

The victory sends the Tigers to Normal, where they will face Athens at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Illinois State’s CEFCU Arena. Newark previously defeated Illini Bluffs to win the state championship in 2019.

Newark coach P.J. McKinney noted that Illini Bluffs maintained control of the game through superior serve-receive fundamentals. He stated that the three players in that rotation passed the ball effectively throughout the night. McKinney observed that while his team could have served more aggressively, the outcome was determined by first contact.

The first set remained tight, with neither team leading by more than two points until Illini Bluffs built a 18-15 advantage. Newark requested a timeout, but the Tigers responded with an ace to maintain their lead. The second set reached a 21-21 tie before Illini Bluffs scored the final four points to close the match.

Illini Bluffs coach Quincy Thompson explained that her team focused on getting the ball to the setter quickly. This strategy allowed the middle hitters to operate at the net and attack with power. Thompson said the team prioritized first contact to set the tempo and limit Newark’s offensive opportunities.

Thompson added that her defense held firm against Newark’s attempts to generate easy kills. She said the back row took pride in its positioning, which forced Newark to play at a faster pace. Thompson described the Newark players as hard-working and noted that they did not give up despite the deficit.

Newark sophomore Zoey Carlson recorded 11 kills, leading the team in that category. Junior Rylie Carlson had 10 digs, while senior Taylor Jeffers contributed 13 assists. Classmate Ella Bromeland had six assists. McKinney credited the three seniors and the senior manager for providing consistent leadership throughout the program.

McKinney stated that the team achieved a goal of 25 wins and exceeded expectations by reaching the supersectional round. He noted that the roster includes seven underclassmen, including five freshmen and two sophomores, who will form the core of the team next season.

The next scheduled event for Illini Bluffs is the Class 1A state final against Athens, set for 9 a.m. on Saturday in Normal.