Brooks Volleyball Team Takes Fourth in State Championships

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U

A late-season run for the Illinois Elementary School Association’s Class 8-4A girls volleyball state championship ended Tuesday evening with a 25-16, 17-25 and 12-25 loss to Parker Junior High School of Flossmoor (20-2) in the third place game.

The eighth grade Bulldogs (17-11), who weren’t even expected to get out of regionals, played outstanding volleyball throughout the tournament, registering both regional and sectional titles.

Brooks nailed nine aces including four by Christina Zeitler and three by Kayee Zihala. Zeitler served for 11 points and Chloe Knaak added 10 service points.

Other Brooks players include Kaylee Wnek, Taylor Coley, Estefania Melo, Daniyah Whitehurst, Anaiz Lechuga, Bailey Berry, Alicia Sandoval, Susan Flores, Rose Williams, Illiana Chavez, Fatima Cladren and Arianna Barajas. They are coached by Molly DeSerf.

Minooka Junior High won the state championship 25-18 and 25-17 over Summit Hill Junior High of Frankfort.