Newark wins 1A Title

<p>In the IHSA 1A Finals, Newark moves on to repeat as back to back champions with a 25-19, 25-22 Sweep of Illini Bluff. Thier 41-2 record is a school record in wins, topping last years win total by one match.</p> <p>Set one was close through 10-10 when Newark ran off a 5-1 run and never back. Despite swapping points and Illini Bluff closing the gap at 17-20, they never recovered. outside hitter Madi Malone ended the set with a kill and a 25-19 win for Newark. In set two, Illini bluff had<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> the lead at 1-0, but never again. A four-point run for Newark gave them the lead for good. With game point at 24-19, Illini Bluff rallied for three points but again fell short, losing to Newark 25-22.</span></p> <p>Newark (41-2) Graduates seven seniors, while in their first trip to states, Illini Bluff (40-2) graduate six seniors. Let's talk about the outstanding play from this match.</p> <p><strong>Eyes Were on Them:<br /> Players, Yr, Ht, Pos, School<br /> Hanna Hicks, 2020, 5'9, OH, Illini Bluff<br /> </strong>Scoring a team-high 10 kills, Hanna added six digs and one ace to her totals.</p> <p><strong>Meggie Scott, 2020, 5'4, L,  Newark<br /> </strong>Leading the way defensively for Newark was Meggie Scott, who had 11 digs in her last match as a Lady Norsemen.</p> <p><strong>Megan Williams, 2022, 6'0, OH, Newark</strong><br /> Megan Williams placed a  solid block for Newark, as she accumulated 4 block assists in the match. She also contributed 4 kills in the win.</p> <p><strong>Mattie Chapman, 2020, 6'1, MH, Newark<br /> </strong>Attacking at a .235 mark, Mattie added 6 kills, 1 block, and 1 block assist. </p> <p><strong>Peyton Pollman, 2020, 5'10, S, Illini Bluff</strong><br /> Peyton Pollman had 15 assists and 9 digs in the Illini Bluff loss. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>