Chester-East Lincoln wins Regional Championship 

[March 11, 2022]   The Chester-East Lincoln Panthers defeated Illini Central 25-7 and 25-11 Thursday night to win the Class 8-2A Regional Championship. The Panthers hosted the tournament and they were the no. 1 seed in the regional. 

Congratulations to the Regional Champion CEL Panthers! Photo courtesy of Lynn Paulus

Makia Hassebrock led the Panthers with 7 kills. Arrington Mauhar contributed 4 kills for CEL. Lauren Tedrick led the team with 10 assists. Jada Bree served 5 aces for the Panthers. 

According to CEL Coach Ashley Paulus, who is in her second year guiding the Panthers, the last regional championship volleyball team for the school was in 2011. That Panthers team finished 3rd in the state tournament. 

Chester-East Lincoln (14-5) will play Peoria St. Philomena for the Sectional Championship on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. That game will be hosted by Peoria Heights Grade School. 

Good luck, Panthers!

[Teena Lowery]