Rockets net regional championship

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SYCAMORE -- Burlington Central really wanted this one.

After falling to Sycamore in the regional title match last year, the Rockets exacted revenge on Saturday by taking down the host and No. 1 seed Spartans 25-13, 25-21 to claim a Class 3A regional title.

The second-seeded Rockets (31-6) advance to the Sterling Sectional on Tuesday where they will play undefeated LaSalle-Peru (36-0).

"There was a little something about wanting revenge from last year," said Rockets coach Marv Leavitt. "These kids were looking forward to this match for a while."

Stephanie Holthus had a huge game while having the task of containing one of the area's best players, Sycamore's Samantha Thrower. Holthus came out in Game 1 and scored seven of the Rockets' first eight points via the kill. The junior had 11 of her match-high 16 kills in Game 1.

"Our four seniors from last year weren't able to get the second chance at Sycamore that we just had," Holthus said. "We really wanted to do it for them and we didn't want our season to end, and we were really excited for this game."

Sycamore (28-8) came within three points at 11-8 before Taylor Scully recorded six straight service points to put the game out of reach.

Central's success in Game 1 allowed it to relax and remain focused during a back-and-forth battle in Game 2.

After falling behind 15-14, Central's Audrey Djukic rattled off six straight service points, including four aces, to give the Rockets a 20-15 lead. Holthus then ended it on match point by recording her final kill of the night.

"I was so nervous because this is my first year on varsity," Djukic said. "Everyone really wanted to do well and we worked a lot on serving. I knew that if I got it in we'd keep pushing 'cause Steph (Holthus) was having an amazing night hitting."

Senior Molly Turk also had a lot to do with the win as she tallied four kills, 18 assists and seven digs.