Girls volleyball: Schaumburg Christian advances

Schaumburg Christian continued to make noise as a first-year school in the high school girls volleyball state tournament.

The Conquerors advanced to the championship match of the Class 1A Elgin Harvest Christian sectional with a 25-10, 25-18 victory over St. Francis de Sales on Tuesday.

Schaumburg Christian (21-8) will face four-time defending sectional champion Harvest Christian Academy (24-13) on Thursday night.

Last week, the Conquerors won their first regional title with a victory over Christian Liberty of Arlington Heights.

Trailing 11-4 in Set 2, Schaumburg Christian coach Alice Cummings called for a time out and then her team made its winning rally.

A couple of kills and a well-timed tip by 5-foot-11 junior Bailey Cummings followed by 3 service points by junior Jordan Lempa tied the set at the 13-13.

Schaumburg Christian, which features one senior, three juniors, a sophomore and 2 freshmen in its starting lineup, pulled away to a 3-point lead as freshman Nicole Toth's kill made it 16-13.

After a time out by St. Francis de Sales, the Conquerors kept their momentum flowing.

Cummings added 4 more kills and junior Courtney Benson contributed some timely plays. Senior setter Kaitlyn Mowry led the attack as well with 7 assists and 12 service points.

The Conquerors will now face a Harvest Christian which is led by 6-2 junior outside hitter Mikayla Robinson, who is headed for the University of South Carolina.

"We have to play very smart and be very focused and not let them rattle us," said Conquerors coach Alice Cummings . "They are a great team and this gym will be packed on Thursday night."