GSW Panthers End Decade-Long Regional Drought with Aurora Christian Upset
The third-seeded team defeated the second-seeded Eagles in straight sets to secure the Class 1A Gardner-South Wilmington Regional championship.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Gardner-South Wilmington won its first regional volleyball title since 2016 on Friday evening. The Panthers defeated Aurora Christian, 25-22 and 25-19, in straight sets at the Class 1A Gardner-South Wilmington Regional. This victory caps a season in which the team finished with a 21-16 record.
The Panthers entered the match as the third seed. They faced the second-seeded Eagles, who had the advantage of higher placement. The final score reflects a tight contest in the opening game, followed by a decisive second set. The win allows GSW to continue its postseason run.
Several other regional finals were decided on the same day. In Class 4A, Lincoln-Way Central defeated host Lincoln-Way West, 22-25, 25-13, and 25-11. Megan Hoy recorded 10 kills and 15 digs for the Knights. Lincoln-Way Central now holds a 24-13 record and will host Porters in the Lockport Sectional semifinals on Tuesday night.
Lockport also advanced after beating Plainfield North, 25-23 and 25-17. Hutsyn Timosciek led the Porters with 10 kills, while Kayla Mitchell added eight. Lockport improves to 32-5 and will host Lincoln-Way Central Tuesday. Bolingbrook defeated Homewood-Flossmoor, 25-17 and 25-19, to claim its first regional title in four years. The Raiders finish with a 21-12 record and will face Lincoln-Way East in the Lockport Sectional semifinals.
Lincoln-Way East extended its streak to four straight regional titles. The No. 2-seeded Griffins beat Andrew, 25-12 and 25-21, at the Sandburg Regional in Orland Park. LWE enters Tuesday’s match against Bolingbrook with a 29-8 record. Minooka defeated Moline, 25-21 and 25-22, at the Moline Regional. Courtney Walter had eight kills and Charlotte Matejka added six kills and three aces for the Indians, who move to face Joliet West on Tuesday night.
Lemont secured its third consecutive regional title by defeating Agricultural Science, 25-12 and 25-11, at the Thornridge Regional in Dolton. The team, which holds a 25-11 record, will face Oak Forest in the Hinsdale South Sectional semifinals on Tuesday night. Manteno concluded its season with a loss to Wilmington, 19-25, 27-25, and 25-15, at the Southland Prep Regional in Richton Park. The Wildcats finish the year with a 21-14 record.
