Volleyball: Eastland headed back to Normal

The Eastland Cougars are headed back to state, and the way they're playing volleyball right now, a state title repeat isn't too farfetched.

Behind pinpoint serving and a dominant offense, the Cougars rolled past Newark 25-9, 25-11 on Saturday night at the Class 1A South Beloit Supersectional.

"We just got on a roll, just like the other night [against Orion in the sectional final]," senior Karissa Pierce said. "We had a good time, put the ball down where it needed to be put down and had some amazing serving."

Eastland (38-2) is making its second straight trip to the Final Four and earned the chance to defend last year's state championship at Redbird Arena in Normal next weekend.

"I think it feels better," junior setter Hope Linker said. "Back-to-back trips to state ... we're just very excited to have this happen again."

"Last year was amazing, and this year is even better," junior middle hitter Courtney Blair echoed. "We're playing really well, playing together and just playing our game."

Eastland's 24th straight victory earns them a semifinal rematch against Cumberland, a 19-25, 25-5, 25-18 winner over Bunker Hill at the Edwards County Supersectional. The Cougars knocked off Cumberland 25-22, 25-16 in last year's semifinals.

Eastland and Cumberland will square off in the second semi at approximately 10:30 a.m. Friday.