Marian Catholic Girls Volleyball Places Fourth in Class 3A State Tournament

In his first season as coach of the Marian Catholic girls volleyball team, Ryan Summers led the Spartans to 24 victories. He also helped raise the bar in the entire Marian program.

While the Spartans dropped a 25-20, 25-11 decision to Wheaton St. Francis in the third-place match in the Class 3A state tournament Saturday at Redbird Arena in Normal, they still had reason to feel a sense of pride in accomplishment.

Under Summers' tutelage, Marian Catholic (24-18) finished fourth in the Class 3A state tournament and won the first IHSA state trophy in the history of the Spartans' girls volleyball program.

Heady stuff.

Marian Catholic's loss to Wheaton St. Francis will not change any of that.

The Spartans were led by 5-11 sophomore outside hitter Amber Clay. She racked up seven kills and five digs. Kelsey Clark added four kills and two blocks. Nicole Mano had seven digs and Colleen Rynne 15 assists.

Wheaton St. Francis featured a balanced attack. Haley Gable led the way with seven kills. Three others each had five kills: Grace Churney, Carly Warner and Daiva Wise.