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Here are the 4 Peoria-area volleyball teams to win IESA state championship in 2023

The Illinois Elementary School Association volleyball state finals took place in March 2023 at locations across the state.

Four teams from Peoria-area communities won state championships, two each at the seventh-grade level and two at the eighth-grade level.

Peoria Christian won the IESA Class 2A eighth-grade title Saturday night at Auburn High School, while Germantown Hills won the 3A eighth-grade title at Pana High School.

Last week, Eureka won the 3A seventh-grade title and Morton Junior High won the 4A seventh-grade title.

Here's a look at each team:

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The Peoria Christian volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 2A eighth-grade state championship in 2023.
The Peoria Christian volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 2A eighth-grade state championship in 2023.

Peoria Christian

  • Record: 23-1-0

  • How they won: Defeated Carthage 18-25, 25-23, 25-22 to win the eighth-grade Class 2A state championship at Auburn High School.

  • Roster: Violet Hynek, Sophie Varda, Acosia Morris, Emma Persinger, Jamie Varda, Kendi Kniep, Abby Kilkenny, Finley Edwards, Kaylin Pugh, Lisa Mortoti, Evi Staley, Sydney Hougham, Lizzie Damerell, Maiya Pollizze and Mia Gerig.

  • History: This is the program's first IESA state championship.

The Germantown Hills volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 3A eighth-grade state championship in 2023.
The Germantown Hills volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 3A eighth-grade state championship in 2023.

Germantown Hills

  • Record: 22-5-0

  • How they won: Defeated Morris Saratoga 23-25, 25-23, 25-15 to win the eighth-grade Class 3A state championship at Pana High School.

  • Roster: Aurelia Slape, Addison Riggins, Gillian Tyra, Junie Wagoner, Ella Miller, Tabby Vandeschraaf, Allie Nelson, Gabby Blahnik, Addie Lahood, Ella Seckler, Abby Petersen, Keira Murray, Maddie Culp, Jenna Oderwald and Allie Lueddecke.

  • History: This is the program's first IESA state championship.

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The Eureka volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 3A seventh-grade state championship in 2023.
The Eureka volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 3A seventh-grade state championship in 2023.

Eureka

  • Record: 26-1-0

  • How they won: Defeated Staunton 25-14, 25-18 to win the seventh-grade Class 3A state championship at Warrensburg-Latham High School.

  • Roster: Krissa Agnew, Bryleigh Brace, Anika Schrock, Katelyn Brugger, Fallon Johnson, Enlee Wiegand, Makia Boles, Madison Meyer, Brinley Garber, Payton Flanary, Brookelyn Sauder and Alivia Schrock.

  • History: Fourth state title in volleyball since 2017.

The Morton Junior High volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 4A seventh-grade state championship in 2023.
The Morton Junior High volleyball team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 4A seventh-grade state championship in 2023.

Morton Junior High

  • Record: 28-2-0

  • How they won: Defeated Channahon 25-21, 26-24 to win the seventh-grade Class 4A state championship at Normal Kingsley JHS.

  • Roster: Lillian Vestal, Rowan Gannaway, Kylee Brown, Zoe Sturhahn, Penelope Drake, Charlotte Brummel, Lucy Rapp, Mallory Cart, Bella Joos, Claire Doran, Alexa Sweazy, Miley Darche, Linsee Muniz, Kaylee Rassi and Mara Schick.

  • History: Second state championship since 2015.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IESA volleyball state finals: Teams from Peoria to win state titles