Burlington Central and St. Viator Advance to Sectional Finals

UPDATE: Burlington Central and St. Viator have secured their spots in the Class 3A IC Catholic sectional championship after thrilling semifinal victories on July 15, 2025. The Rockets triumphed over Resurrection, while the Lions edged out Wheaton Academy in closely contested matches, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at 6 p.m. Thursday in Elmhurst.

Burlington Central faced a tense moment when Resurrection leveled the match by taking the second set. The Rockets, however, rallied in the decisive game, fueled by freshman Joselyn Johnson, who delivered two critical aces during a game-changing five-point run. The Rockets ultimately secured the match with scores of 25-22, 12-25, 25-19.

“Every point matters,” said Johnson, reflecting on the pressure of the match. “We just had to keep our heads up and trust each other.” The Rockets, now boasting a record of 20-15, are poised for the championship against St. Viator.

The victory was a testament to the Rockets’ resilience, as they overcame a 5-1 deficit in the third set. Coach Julia Smagacz expressed confidence in her team’s ability to maintain momentum and energy, stating, “I trusted that we were going to be able to fight back.”

In the other semifinal, St. Viator faced its own challenges but emerged victorious against the fourth-seeded Wheaton Academy. After dropping the second set, the Lions regained focus to win 25-19, 18-25, 25-20. Senior outside hitter Erin Lynch led the Lions with 11 kills, showcasing the team’s determination under pressure.

“Credit to Wheaton Academy; they fought to the bitter end,” said St. Viator coach Charlie Curtin. The Lions displayed heart and grit, overcoming adversities to reach the sectional finals.

As the excitement builds for the championship match, all eyes will be on Elmhurst as Burlington Central and St. Viator clash for the title. Both teams are eager to secure their victory and earn a spot in the upcoming state playoffs.

Stay tuned for live updates and coverage as these two teams battle it out for glory.