By Patrick Baron
NORMAL – In a close match-up against St. Viator, U-High’s Pioneers came out on top to win third place in the Class 3A State Finals.
The Pioneers won the first set against the Lions 25-21, lost the second 25-19, and gained momentum late in the third to win it 25-19. Each set contained back-and-forth scoring between the two teams, leading to a close game throughout.
U-High coach Mike Bolhius said reaching making it to the state finals was the goal for the team since day one.
“We talk about it at the beginning of the year, what the goal for the year is,” Bolhuis explained. “Ultimately it’s to win a state championship. Getting there is an accomplishment and we’re very, very proud of that fact.”
Pioneers Isabel Schaefbauer and Addy Loeffler led the team with 11 kills each. Loeffler explained working with her fellow Pioneers to take third place was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“This is the best experience I’ve ever had,” Loeffler said. “It’s an amazing team, I wouldn’t trade this season for anything. We had the best team chemistry.”
Loeffler went on to explain that she sprained her ankle at the start of the season before rolling it again on Thursday.
Patrick Baron can be reached at patrick.baron@cumulus.com.
