Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
CRAB ORCHARD — On the way to a third place finish at state last year, NCOE beat Trico in the Christ Our Rock Lutheran Supersectional. The two teams will meet again, this time a step sooner, in the championship match of the Crab Orchard 1A Sectional.
The Fighting Cardinals dispatched Greater Egyptian Conference foe Carrier Mills/Stonefort 25-12, 25-12 in the first semifinal despite playing without leading hitter, junior Hinslie Everett who suffered a sprained ankle in practice and was in a walking boot.
Trico also took down a conference foe in the other semifinal, beating Black Diamond-West rival Goreville 25-12, 15-25, 25-21.
The sectional title match is set for 6:00 Wednesday. The winner will advance to the Okawville Supersectional against the winner of the Nokomis Sectional, either Valmeyer or Effingham St. Anthony.
