Illini Bluffs defeated Newark 25-17, 25-21 in the Class 1A state volleyball super-sectional on Monday, November 9, 2026, in Brimfield, advancing to the Elite Eight of the IHSA tournament. The Tigers' Emerson Eeten, wearing number 23, attempted to place the ball between Newark defenders in the first set, as captured in a photo by Adam Duvall of the Peoria Journal Star.
Illini Bluffs Top Newark to Reach IHSA Class 1A Elite Eight
