Du Quoin eighth-grade Lady Warriors take home regional championship
The Du Quoin eighth-grade Lady Warriors advanced to the SIJHSAA state tournament Thursday night, defeating Hamilton County and West Frankfort to capture the Hamilton County regional championship. <br />DMS opened up against the regional host, defeating the Lady Foxes in straight sets, 26-24, 25-18. <br />Lauren Heape led the charge with a team-high six kills, while Sophie Miller had a team-high seven assists. <br />DMS advanced to take on West Frankfort for the regional championship. <br />After dropping the first set, 25-21, the Lady Warriors rebounded to take the next two sets, 25-20, 15-12, earning the regional crown and a spot in the state finals. <br />Delaynie Dearmond came up big in the regional final, collecting a team-high 10 kills, while Ayanna Dunklin finished right behind with seven of her own. <br />With the win, DMS will play in the SIJHSAA state finals which will take place at Pinckneyville High School. <br />The Lady Warriors will open up tournament action against the winner of the Whiteside regional which takes place Monday night. The opening match is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.<br />Stats (vs. Hamilton County)<br />Kills: Miller 1; Dunklin 4; Heape 6; Aubrey Barwick 3; Dearmond 3<br />Assists: Miller 7; Heape 4<br />Digs: Heape 2; Dearmond 1<br />Aces: Miller 2; Dunklin 2; Lindsey Grossman 2; Lexi Cobin 3; Heape 3; Barwick 1<br />Stats (vs. West Frankfort)<br />Kills: Miller 1; Dunklin 7; Heape 2; Barwick 2; Ella Hirsch 2; Dearmond 10<br />Assists: Miller 7; Heape 5<br />Digs: Heape 4<br />Aces: Dunklin 2; Grossman 4; Barwick 3<br />Blocks: Heape 2