The 2018 "Dream Season" of the Chicago Heights School District 170's 7th-grade Girls Volleyball Team ended its run at the IESA Girls State Volleyball Tournament as the Lady Spartans fell to top-rated Champaign Edison by scores of 17-25 and 7-25.
The squad, coached by Kaitlin Damiani, had advanced to the state tourney in Normal by storming back to win the IESA Sectional Championship at Columbia Central in Steger by defeating Flossmoor's Parker Junior High School 23-25, 25-16, and 25-22.
The squad ended its campaign with a season mark of 12-5.
"Competing for a championship downstate was an amazing experience for the girls," Damiani said. "They worked hard all season, so I'm glad they had the opportunity to compete and represent Chicago Heights School District 170 at the state's preeminent tournament."
"Despite facing an excellent team in the first round, they fought hard and gave it their all until the very end, and I am confident that next year they'll be back ready to compete at the highest level. "
CHSD170 Athletic Director Joe Barker added words of praise for the team's accomplishments.
"This was a once in a lifetime experience that our girls had the pleasure of enjoying," he said. "They may not realize it now but the memories they made that weekend will last them a lifetime."
"I would like to congratulate our girls, and I want to especially congratulate Coach Damiani who is a perfect role model whom the girls of SD170 should admire."
"I cannot wait to see what this group will accomplish next year!" he concluded.