McNicholas Volleyball has punched its ticket to the 2026 Division III state championship after delivering a commanding performance against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin. The Rockets swept the semifinal match at Vandalia Butler with scores of 25-22, 25-11, and 25-18, extending their winning streak and positioning themselves to hoist the trophy for the second consecutive year. This victory marks a significant step up from their Division IV title in 2025, proving their dominance even after moving up a division.
Rockets secure Division III semifinal win to chase back-to-back titles
The first game was a tense affair, characterized by six ties and five lead changes as the teams traded small runs throughout the set. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (NDCL) mounted a late 5-2 run to threaten the Rockets, but a critical service error by the Lions sealed the first game for McNicholas. The momentum shift proved decisive, as the Rockets settled into their rhythm and controlled the remainder of the match with precision and consistency.
McNicholas regained full control in the second game, launching a 10-1 run sparked by a pair of aces from Maria Schulte. This burst of power allowed the Rockets to pull away, mirroring the dominant display they showed in the regional finals. With the win, McNicholas now faces a crucial test in the final, aiming to cement their status as the top program in Division III while their rivals, the Kings, prepare for their own championship path.
Source: Yahoo Sports
