Plainfield High School

The Plainfield Quakers made history on Saturday, capturing their first sectional championship since 2004 with a pair of impressive victories. Plainfield opened sectional play against a strong Brownsburg squad and came out strong, taking the first two sets 25–22 and 26–24. Brownsburg battled back to win the third set 25–18, but the Quakers regrouped and closed out the match 25–22 in the fourth to claim a 3–1 victory and advance to the championship. Leading the way for Plainfield was Audrey Utterback, who tallied 22 kills, 12 digs, and 3 aces. Charlee Groninger orchestrated the offense with 48 assists and added 12 digs in a stellar performance. Marley VanWanzeele added 14 kills, including several clutch points in the decisive fourth set, while Eliana Tucker contributed 12 kills and 2 key blocks. On defense, Evie Ellis (20 digs), Taylor Donovon (15 digs), and Savannah Brock (13 digs) anchored the Quakers’ back row with solid passing and relentless hustle. Coach Pax on the victory, "We told them that Brownsburg was going to be a back and forth battle. As long as they played disciplined and our game we would come out on top. Service pressure and putting them out of system was huge. I was so proud of the fight and determination our girls showed." In the championship match, Plainfield carried that momentum into a dominant sweep over Avon, winning 25–20, 25–11, 25–11 to secure the sectional crown. Marley VanWanzeele led with 12 kills, while Audrey Utterback added 10 and Harper Gentry chipped in 7. Groninger continued her standout play with 32 assists and 9 digs. On defense, Donovon (22 digs) and Ellis (23 digs) were rock-solid, while Macyn Jones made her presence felt in the middle with 5 kills and 6 blocks. Coach Pax on the championship, "Accomplishing something that hasn't been accomplished in 21 years is no easy task, and to have to play Brownsburg and Avon to do it makes it that much sweeter! This group is an amazing group of young ladies and I couldn't be happier for them. I am so proud of them. Yes, we won, but we aren't done. There is a lot left to accomplish! Go Quakers!" With the victory, the Quakers claimed their first sectional championship in 21 years. They now advance to the regional round, where they will face Lawrence North on Saturday, October 25, at Cascade High School. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m.