Pekin defeats Wapello, advances in regionals

The Pekin Panthers will advance to the next round of regionals after a tough matchup Tuesday with Wapello.

Pekin (11-10) entered its home playoff game winning only one of its previous seven matches. The Panthers would go on to win a close game by the score of 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 21-25, 15-13.

?We started off the match slow and made a lot of errors,? Pekin coach Ashley Bartels said. ?We picked it up by the third set and started to play our game.?

After going up 2-1 in sets, the Panthers nearly let it get away by losing the fourth set. The game went back and forth, with Wapello and Pekin exchanging leads.

Beth Atwood led the team in kills with 16. Jessica Horras was close behind with 13. Horras and Atwood also led the team in blocks by both making three. Jenna Swanson led the Panthers in digs with 12.

Pekin is in Class 2A Region 8 in this year?s playoff bracket. Pekin will play Tuesday at West Branch. The winner of that matchup plays the winner of Durant vs. Wilton.

?The girls fought hard and played with a lot of heart,? Bartels said. ?Now we have to bring the intensity to a higher level.?

1st Round Regional Scores

2A

Durant 3, Columbus 0

West Burlington 3, Danville 0

Iowa City Regina 3, Highland 0

1A

Pella Christian 3 (25-19, 25-17, 25-17) Cardinal 0

Holy Trinity 3, MSAE 0

Lynnville-Sully 3, Meskwaki Settlement 0

IMS 3, Montezuma 0

WACO 3, Burlington Notre Dame 2

Lone Tree 3, Cedar Valley Christian 0

Lisbon 3, Midland 0

Sigourney 3, Keota 0