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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington wins first ever Southeast Conference title
Demons outs Burlington for SEC Tournament crown
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
BURLINGTON — The last time Washington and Burlington met on the court, the Grayhounds got the better of the Demons in a 3-0 sweep on their own floor.
On Tuesday, the Demons got the ultimate revenge taking the 2024 Southeast Conference title with a 2-1 win over the Grayhounds in their own gym.
The Demons fought hard in set one, but came up short 25-21. However, Washington saved its best for last as they won back-to-back sets 25-14 and 15-11 to take the crown.
Both squads entered the championship match undefeated in tournament play.
Washington jumped out to 13-11 lead on Burlington in the two’s first set, but the Grayhounds ended strong.
Burlington held Washington to just eight points the rest of the way, while scoring 14 of its own.
From then on out, the Demons asserted their dominance.
Set two was all Washington as they built a 12 point advantage through the later half of the match, leading 18-6.
Burlington never had an answer as Washington took the 11 point victory 25-14.
Washington held all the momentum heading into a winner take all third set and it was prevalent.
The Demons erupted to a 7-1 lead, looking as if they were going to run away with it. However, Burlington didn’t waiver.
The Grayhounds got it all the way back down to one after a 6-1 rally, but in the end it wouldn’t be enough.
Washington closed about as good as it started it, with a 7-3 run, taking the conference championship.
With the title now in hand, Washington ends the conference season with a 9-1 record.
It’s the Demons first ever SEC title.
The Demons play against Keokuk in the tournament’s final rounds as well.
Washington took care of business in that one in straight sets 25-15 and 25-16.
Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield both competed as well.
The Panthers picked up a pair of wins as well as one loss. They defeated Keokuk 2-0, 25-15, 25-22 and also completed a comeback against Fort Madison to win 2-1.
The Panthers’ lone loss came against Fairfield in what was the third and fourth place match.
Fairfield opened with a narrow 25-23 win in set one and Mt. Pleasant bounced back with a 25-20 set two victory, but it was the Trojans dominating the final 15-3.
For the Trojans, that was their one win. Fairfield’s other match ended in a 2-0 loss to Burlington. The Trojans were defeated 25-12 and 25-18.
