Dwight spikes way to sectional final

STREATOR -- Kolby Hoffman had 12 kills and Chaney Tambling 9 as Dwight advanced in the Class 1A Woodland Sectional volleyball tournament Tuesday night with a 25-22, 25-15 semifinal victory over Colfax Ridgeview.

The Trojans (19-12-1) advance to Thursday's sectional final against Downs Tri-Valley.

Claire Elsey chipped in with 13 assists and Lindie McCarthy had 5 for Dwight. Haley Gatson led with 18 service points, including 6 aces.

JJC 87, Olivet Nazarene JV 63 -- Lockport High School graduate Brian Bradley, a transfer from Kirkwood (Iowa) scored 30 points in his Joliet Junior College debut as the Wolves opened with the lopsided victory. Brandon Redmond added 14 points and Lennell Pierce 10.

The Wolves, who play at Lake Michigan in Benton Harbor, Mich. on Saturday, were without guards Reggie Lemon from Plainfield South and Pat Devine from JCA because of injury.

JJC led 46-33 at halftime and began the second half on a 17-3 run.

St. Ambrose 86, USF 74 -- At Davenport, Iowa, senior guard Anna Sears from Providence Catholic scored a career-high 22 points but it wasn't enough to overcome 20th-ranked NAIA Division II St. Ambrose as the host Bees spoiled University of St. Francis' season opener.

Sears made 7-of-9 shots to lead the Saints' attack. Senior center Kaci Baird added 14 points for the Saints and senior guard Jacqie Storm chipped in with 12.

USF's rugged season-opening schedule continues this weekend as the Saints travel to Jackson, Tenn., and play games against NAIA Division I No. 9 Lambuth (Tenn.) and No. 1 and defending national champion Union (Tenn.).