After a 27-year downstate tournament absence, Sycamore got out of the blocks for a third-place finish. The Spartans left Redbird Arena with a 25-20, 19-25, 25-21 win over Althoff.
Sycamore took control in the first game with a 9-0 run that featured a three kills from junior Sam Thrower during Diane Kasper’s 8-point serve streak. The Spartans never trailed in the decisive third game.
“Even if we lost in the first round we still got third place. It’s awesome,” said senior setter Caitlin Johnson, who registered 29 assists. “It couldn’t have been any better. I’m really happy that I’m leaving this way.”
The Spartans finished the season 39-3.
“This is my last volleyball game ever and it’s really nice to be able to remember it in such a positive way,” said senior hitter Amanda Johnson. “We’re disappointed that we lost (in the semis), but you can’t ask for anything better than to end the season on a win.
Sycamore’s Thrower recorded the most kills (12) and best attack percentage (.526) of the match. The junior was home schooled before joining the Spartans this season.
Fourth-place Althoff found a silver lining in the match, while taking home its sixth trophy in the past nine seasons.
“I was embarrassed after the game (Friday). I just wanted to get out of the gym,” said senior Kelley Michnowicz. “I have never seen our team play like that even in practice. I guess it was just nerves. Today we had to show them we could come out and do it (play well.).”
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