Lady Warriors’ Season Ends in Hard-Fought Regional Championship Loss to ALAH

Featured photo caption: Madilyn Gelb forms a solid wall at the net, shutting down an opponent’s attack with a block. Gelb contributed two blocks and was also one of the team’s most efficient hitters during their postseason run. —photo by Terri Cox

CASEY, Ill. – The Casey-Westfield Lady Warriors made an impressive run to the IHSA 1A Regional Championship game last week, but their season came to a close in a tightly contested final against Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond. Despite a valiant effort against the higher-seeded Lady Knights, the Lady Warriors fell in straight sets, 27-25, 25-20.

The journey to the championship showcased the team’s resilience and skill. Casey-Westfield opened the tournament by defeating Neoga in the quarterfinal round with convincing scores of 25-18 and 25-13. They continued their dominant play in the semifinal, dispatching Lawrenceville with ease in a 25-7, 25-18 victory to secure their spot in the title match.

In the championship game, the Purple and Gold battled the Lady Knights in a thrilling first set, pushing them beyond the 25-point mark before ultimately falling 27-25. The momentum carried ALAH through the second set, where they secured the regional plaque with a 25-20 win, ending a successful season for the Lady Warriors.

Ava Goble settles in on serve receive to deliver a pass and initiate the Lady Warriors’ offense. Goble was a defensive anchor for the team, tallying 25 digs throughout the regional tournament. —photo by Terri Cox

Game Summary

Score by Sets

Championship Match
| Team | Set 1 | Set 2 |
| :— | :—: | :—: |
| CWHS | 25 | 20 |
| ALAH | 27 | 25 |

Semifinal Match
| Team | Set 1 | Set 2 |
| :— | :—: | :—: |
| CWHS | 25 | 25 |
| LV | 7 | 18 |

Quarterfinal Match
| Team | Set 1 | Set 2 |
| :— | :—: | :—: |
| CWHS | 25 | 25 |
| Neoga | 18 | 13 |

Individual Regional Tournament Statistics

HITTING:

• Hannah Schackman: 19 kills on 64 attempts, 9 errors (.156%)

• Madilyn Gelb: 13 kills on 43 attempts, 1 error (.279%)

• Anna Karras: 12 kills on 63 attempts, 7 errors (.079%)

• Madelynn Norton: 8 kills on 22 attempts, 2 errors (.273%)

• Lucy Moore: 8 kills on 24 attempts, 7 errors (.042%)

BLOCKS:

• Lucy Moore: 5

• Hannah Schackman: 3

• Madilyn Gelb: 2

• Madilyn Norton: 2

ASSISTS:

• Haley Schackman: 47 assists on 164 attempts (28.6%)

• Madelynn Norton: 5 assists on 15 attempts (33.3%)

DIGS:

• Hannah Schackman: 32

• Ava Goble: 25

• Haley Schackman: 20

• Anna Karras: 15

• Madelynn Norton: 14

• Evelynne Norton: 11

Lucy Moore finds an open spot on the court, using a well-placed tip for a kill. Moore was a major presence at the net, contributing 8 kills and leading the team with 5 blocks during the regional tournament. —photo by Terri Cox

Hannah Schackmann powers through the block for a kill against a regional opponent. Schackmann led the Lady Warriors’ attack during the tournament with a team-high 19 kills. —photo by Terri Cox

Setter Haley Schackmann prepares to deliver one of her 47 assists from the regional tournament. Schackmann orchestrated the Casey-Westfield offense throughout their run to the championship match. —photo by Terri Cox

Anna Karras extends to make a dig for Casey-Westfield. In addition to her offensive contributions, Karras was a key defensive player, recording 15 digs during the team’s regional tournament run. —photo by Terri Cox

Anna Karras rises up for a powerful swing during regional tournament action last week. Karras contributed 12 kills over three matches for the Lady Warriors. —photo by Terri Cox