Trinity 25Â 25
Jones   3 23
The Trinity volleyball team downed Jones Prep 25-3, 25-23 to win its third consecutive regional championship at Sister Michelle Germanson Athletic Facility in River Forest on Saturday.
After a regular season that had its share of tough three-game matches that ended with losses, the Blazers are looking to continue their positive momentum. Ranked third in the River Forest Sectional, Trinity has the advantage of playing on its home court during both the regional and the sectional.
The Blazers were on top of their game in the regional title match-up against Jones. Although its opponent scored the first point of the match, Trinity quickly rattled off nine straight points that included four resounding kills by senior middle hitter Caroline Brander. Jones scored only sporadically before Trinity finished off the first game with 11 consecutive points to win 25-3.
Although Jones was never in the lead, they gave the Blazers a scare in Game 2. Trinity held an 8-2 lead when Jones started to get back in the match.
“We gave a few unforced errors, and it gave them some momentum,” said Trinity head coach Katy Schabes.
The Blazers stalled out at 23-17 before Jones tied them at 23-23. Brander decided enough was enough and finished off the game and the match with two huge kills to give the Blazers the title.
“We got into a rough patch, but the whole team pulled together and we executed well,” said Brander, who finished with 14 kills, four aces, three blocks and five digs. Senior libero Annie Logisz finished with 12 digs and two aces on the night. Ciera Hester-Smith, Vivi Castellanos and Samantha Lula each had four kills apiece for the Blazers, while sophomore setter Jamie Purl finished with 18 assists and six digs.
Earlier in the week, Trinity had no problem winning the semifinal match against Noble Street Charter, 25-2, 25-10. Brander led the Blazers with 14 kills in that victory, while Logisz finished with seven digs and seven aces.
Trinity was set to meet Regina Dominican Tuesday night (Nov. 4, after deadline) in the sectional semifinal. A win would put the Blazers in the sectional championship on Thursday night (Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.).