Mascoutah Sweeps South to Reach State Volleyball Championship
The freshman outside hitter Elli Love led an efficient attack against South, helping the Indians move within one victory of the championship they have pursued all season.
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NORMAL — Top-seeded Mascoutah hit .333 and swept second-seeded South 25-14, 25-16 in the 3A state semifinals at Illinois State’s CEFCU Arena, advancing to a championship matchup against fellow No. 1 seed Nazareth at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.
The Indians (37-4) were led by freshman outside hitter Elli Love, who had eight kills on 12 attempts. Junior Kinze Reese added six kills, and junior Harper Whitworth contributed four.
South (27-12) never found a rhythm against Mascoutah. The Gators, making their seventh state appearance and first since 2013, will face third-seeded Geneva (30-11) for third place at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Mascoutah head coach Brooke Kloess said reaching the championship match had been the team’s goal all season. While pleased with the accomplishment, she said she was not surprised by a group that pursues what it wants and finishes its goals.
Coach Kloess said the Indians intentionally played a difficult schedule to prepare for the postseason. Knowing the path to state would not be easy, she wanted her players to face challenges fearlessly while having fun.
Whitworth said working through difficult moments helps the team remain calm and ready. She also said she was happy to represent the community well.
Kloess said her love for coaching and her players keeps her coming back, and being around the team and its community brings her, the team members, and the community happiness.
Mascoutah will face a Nazareth team that enters the championship match with a 28-13 record.
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