Central vs. JCA -- Minutes away from the Class 3A state title match between Burlington Central and Joliet Catholic.
Joliet Catholic, ranked No. 9 in the nation (prepvolleyball.com) comes in as the heavy favorite, backed by a steep history and arguably the toughest schedule in the state .The Angels (38-3) have appeared Downstate seven times, four under current coach Christine Scheibe. Scheibe guided the Angels to their only title in 2003.
This is Central's first Downstate appearance. The undersized Rockets are used to the underdog role and this one will be no different.
JCA defeated Central (35-6) during the regular season in three games. Although both coaches admitted yesterday that was a long time ago.
5:45 -- Introductions are underway. Game-time just minutes away. Both teams have brought their fans. It's a "white out" for the Rockets and a "black out" for the Angels.
Central AD Dan Cliffe has announced there will be a welcome home rally for Central tomorrow at 2 p.m. in the school's gym.
Game 1
6:01 -- Central 4, JCA 3. Central's Stephanie Holthus has 3 kills thus far.
6:06 -- Central 12, JCA 12.
6:08 -- JCA 15, Central 12. JCA's Annemarie Hickey slams down two straight to force a timeout by the Rockets.
6:16 -- JCA 25, Central 19. Nice little comeback at the end by Rockets, but Angels close it out on a tip kill by the "other Hickey" -- Katie.
Game 2
6:22 -- JCA 7, Central 3.
6:27 -- JCA 15, Central 10. Timeout Rockets.
6:31 -- JCA 21, Central 11. JCA in full control. Annemarie Hickey on five point service run with two aces. Timeout Rockets.
6:33 -- JCA 25, Central 13. It's all over for Rockets. Great effort by Marv Leavitt and the gang, but Angels just too strong.
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