Huskies relish sectional victory

For 25 years, the Hamilton Heights volleyball team wrestled with an arduous trend of futility. Last weekend, however, everything changed as the Huskies at last turned disappointment into elation on their home court. By defeating Mount Vernon in a thrilling five-game sectional championship match, the Huskies celebrated their second postseason title all-time and first since 1983. The feat propelled head coach Stacey Bishop's squad into Saturday's Mount Vernon Regional where they will face Class 3A No. 6 Brebeuf in the first round. Against the Marauders, the winners of eight sectional championships the past 16 years, Marissa Lovell supplied the finishing touch. Lovell scored the game-winning point by smacking home the last of her team-high 14 kills. She also added five aces. Hannah Small provided 35 assists, and Kylee Hancock recorded 11 digs as the dramatic victory over the defending sectional champions pushed Hamilton Heights' season record to 19-13.