Illini Bluffs defeats Hartsburg-Emden on Senior Night

[October 24, 2019]  Hartsburg-Emden High School honored Golf and Volleyball Seniors Tuesday night with Addam Hoerbert being recognized for participating in four years of golf and Emily Craig, Lily Escobedo and Sami Perschall each dedicating four high school years to volleyball.

On the court the injury-plagued Stags took a tough two-set loss to the 33-1 squad from Illini Bluffs, a team loaded with heavy hitters and big blockers. Nonetheless, the small and scrappy Stags battled until the end, eventually falling 25-22 and 25-22 to the Tigers.

In set one, the two teams exchanged points back and forth early with Grace Beekman and Brianna Grabowski nailing kills, keeping the score close and even pulling out to a 6-4 lead.

But the Tigers had some cannons on their side and took the lead and stretched it to 10-7.

Lily Escobedo, Emily Craig, Sami Perschall and Addam Hoerbert were recognized at Hartem’s Senior Night on Wednesday. - Photo courtesy Hartsburg-Emden

The Stags tied the set 13-13 with Sami Perschall at the service line.

The Stags managed to keep pace and maintain the tie at 18-18 before the Tigers slowly pulled away. A kill by Hannah Alvey and then a block by Alvey allowed Illini Bluffs a commanding 22-18 lead at this point.

A couple service errors by both teams and the score was 24-21.

A huge kill by Beekman edged Hartem closer, 24-22 but the Tigers would take this one 25-22 on the next play.

In set two, the situation was much the same. The teams exchanged points until Illini Bluffs marched out to an 11-5 lead.

A series of errors allowed the Stags to crawl right back into the thick of things. A 12-12 tie gave the Stags fans high hopes.

Hanna Hicks dashed those hopes a bit with a big kill and a 16-14 Tigers lead.

Scrappy as they are, the Stags fought back and tied the game 16-16.

But the heavy arms of Emma Hicks and Hannah Alvey allowed the Tigers to remain in control with a 22-18 lead.

Back to back kills by Beekman breathed new life into the Stags as they trailed 22-20 and indeed had a fair shot at winning the set. Another kill by Beekman made the score 23-22 but that was it for the Stags scoring.

Illini Bluffs scored the final points to take the 25-22 win in set two.

Grace Beekman led Hartem with 11 kills. The junior continues to improve after coming back from knee surgery to start the season.

Brianna Grabowski added 7 kills, 7 points and 11 digs in an all-around great performance for the junior.

Sophomore Avah Classen had 15 assists and a couple sneaky tips that helped her team at key moments.

Senior Emily Craig finished with 9 digs.

For Illini Bluffs, Hannah Alvey and Hanna Hicks each led the way with 12 kills. Addie Welsh and Emma Hicks each had 6 kills.

Illini Bluffs improved their record to 33-1.

The Stags have one more injury to overcome as the postseason approaches. Junior Alaina Bradburn suffered a broken wrist mid-season as she was shaggy balls at a game and fell. Her play at the net is definitely missed.

Hartem plays in the Quincy Notre Dame Tournament this weekend.

The Stags begin regional volleyball action next week at Mount Pulaski.

[Teena Lowery]
Sports Reporter/Feature Writer | Lincoln Daily News
217.454.6419 | [e-mail]