Edwardsville captured its first regional volleyball championship with a 25-16, 25-20 victory over East St. Louis on Thursday in the title match of the Granite City Regional.
It was the third time this season Edwardsville has beaten East St. Louis. Edwardsville (23-1) advances to play Belleville East in the sectional semifinals at Belleville West at 7 p.m. Friday.
"I was very uneasy coming into this match against East St. Louis," Edwardsville coach Andy Bersett said. "We've had success with them the last few years, but they battle. They are a fun team to watch. I enjoy playing against them."
Eric Fitterer led Edwardsville with 10 kills and John Pranger finished with nine. Edwardsville also got key contributions form Stephen Billiter (26 assists, six points off serves), Sean Lynn (seven points off serves, 3 digs), Thomas Pauk (five points off serves) and Nathan Henning (four kills, three digs).
East Louis finished the season 9-13.
"Edwardsville is a championship-caliber team," East St. Louis coach Terrall Herring said. "They came to play, and we just came up short today. We are young. We are going to improve, and we will be back."
