NORMAL, Illinois — Junior setter Ellie Stiernagle entered the Class 4A state championship match at a critical time for Benet.
The Northwestern commit came off the bench after the Redwings, having won the first set, fell behind 5-1 in the second.
“I just wanted it for my team really, really badly,” Stiernagle said. “I think that’s the biggest thing. I just wanted to go out there and play my best for my team.”
Stiernagle recorded seven service points, including an ace, and six assists. But those weren’t enough to prevent Marist from rallying for a stunning 19-25, 25-16, 25-19 victory over Benet on Saturday night at CEFCU Arena.
The Redwings (40-2) have lost in the state final in three consecutive seasons. Mother McAuley defeated them in each of the previous two seasons.
Junior outside hitter Brooklynne Brass, a Maryland commit, had 12 kills for Benet. Senior middle hitter Gabby Stasys, a Yale commit, added five kills and five blocks. Senior setter Audrey Asleson, a Colorado commit, had 23 assists, and senior libero Aniya Warren, a Purdue commit, had 18 digs.
Stiernagle’s future Northwestern teammate, senior outside hitter Bella Bullington, led Marist (33-9) with 16 kills. Junior right-side/outside hitter Savanah Weathers added 10 kills for the RedHawks, who won their third state title while denying the Redwings their fifth.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
This story will be updated.
