Volleyball: Newark claims ninth straight regional crown
The Norsemen defeated Putnam County to secure their title, while Oswego and Joliet West also made regional semifinals.
By Marco Graham ·
Newark captured its ninth consecutive Class 1A Serena Regional volleyball title on Thursday by defeating Putnam County 25-10 and 26-24. The Norsemen, who finished the regular season with a 33-5 record, advanced to Tuesday's Wethersfield Sectional semifinal against Orion. Zoey Carlson led the team with 15 kills and four digs. Cayla Pottinger recorded 15 digs, and Rylie Carlson added 13 digs and six kills. Taylor Jeffers provided 16 assists, while Ella Bromeland finished with seven assists, four kills, and two aces.
Oswego won its fourth straight regional title by beating Glenbard East 25-23 and 25-7. The Panthers, who are 24-9, will face host Glenbard West in the semifinal match at the Glenbard West Sectional on Tuesday. Sara Gilio led Oswego with 11 kills, eight digs, and four aces. Hannah Herrick added eight kills, five digs, two aces, and a block. Elaina Massie recorded 10 assists, and Lily Roller recorded seven.
Joliet West defeated Yorkville 25-21 and 25-15 to end the Foxes' winningest season since 2021. Yorkville, which holds a 22-15 record, lost the opening set 25-21 before falling in the second. Ryliegh Springborn led Yorkville with six kills and three digs. Natalie Zepeda recorded six digs and an ace. Emma Martin contributed seven assists, three digs, and a kill.
The three matches concluded the regional round for these teams. Newark and Oswego secured their respective semifinal spots based on their victories. The sectional play continues on Tuesday with the semifinal matchups.
