EDWARDSVILLE — Belleville East edged Edwardsville in three sets Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, 2026, at Lucco-Jackson Gym, closing the Tigers’ regular season with a 25-22, 25-27, 25-22 loss on Senior Night.
The Southwestern Conference finale also honored Edwardsville seniors Madelyn Ohlau and Bella Bollman and their families for their contributions to the program over the past four years.
“Tonight was about competing as a team, improving key skills, and playing fearless,” Edwardsville coach Heather Ohlau said. “I believe we did that and more. Our players battled through adversity, adjusted when needed, and continued to fight each set.”
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Edwardsville finished the regular season 18-17. Belleville East improved to 29-5 with one regular-season match remaining, at home against Waterloo at noon Saturday.
Madelyn Ohlau led the Tigers with 17 kills and added 20 digs. Bollman and Collins Cleland each had 10 kills.
Lucy Malawy recorded 32 assists and led Edwardsville with nine service points, including an ace. Bollman and Haley Huling each had seven service points. Eve Eberlin finished with 27 digs and six assists, while Laila Roundtree had two blocks.
“While we didn't come away with the win, tonight showed what we're capable of when we trust one another and compete with confidence,” Heather Ohlau said. “We'll continue to build on this performance as we prepare for the postseason.”
Both teams will compete in the Illinois High School Association Class 4A regional next week at Quincy. Top-seeded Belleville East will face the Collinsville-Pekin winner at 6 p.m. Oct. 27, followed by Edwardsville against host Quincy at 7 p.m.
The winners will meet for the regional championship at 6 p.m. Oct. 29. The regional champion will advance to face the Belleville West regional winner in the Champaign Central sectional semifinal at 6 p.m. Nov. 3.
The state finals are scheduled for Nov. 13-14 at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Bloomington-Normal.
