Stella Davis, Back From Injury, Leads Lincoln-Way Central to Regional Title

The Lincoln-Way Central Knights won the Class 4A Lincoln-Way West Regional volleyball championship on Thursday night in New Lenox. They defeated the host Lincoln-Way West Warriors 22–25, 25–13, 25–11 in a hard-fought three-game match. Senior hitter Stella Davis stepped up big in the final game, helping power the Knights to victory. It is the team's first regional title since 2012.

Davis had a tough start to the match, recording only one kill in the first two games. The 5-foot-11 right-side hitter said she was stuck inside her own head and could not find her rhythm. But her teammates rallied around her, encouraging her and lifting her spirits. Once she felt their support, Davis relaxed and played her best volleyball.

In the third game, Davis made her presence felt right away. She hit two key kills during an 8–1 run that pushed the Knights ahead 11–5. She went on to record a team-high four kills in that final game. Her performance helped the Knights close out the match and claim the championship.

Megan Hoy was the team's top performer overall with nine kills and 15 digs. Mya Donnelly also chipped in 15 digs on the back row. Tessa Garcia handed out 26 assists to set up her hitters, while Isabella Bendoraitis added 10 assists of her own. It was a true team effort across the board.

For Lincoln-Way West, sophomore Bailey Voss led with six kills, all coming in the second game. Her twin sister Brooklynn Voss contributed four kills and two blocks. Emma Novotny had five kills and five blocks, giving the Warriors a strong all-around effort despite the loss.

Head coach Amy Bernhard was emotional after the win, calling her players a very special group. She was a senior on the team the last time Lincoln-Way Central won a regional title back in 2011. Seeing her players earn one more than a decade later meant a great deal to her. She praised their talent, their desire, and their will to win.

Davis had not faced Lincoln-Way West before Thursday because she was hurt earlier in the season. A sprained left ankle kept her in a boot and off the court when the two teams met in October. She admitted feeling nervous before Thursday's match since it was her first time playing against the Warriors. But the experience of competing through the nerves made her stronger.

Coach Bernhard calls Davis a 'spark plug' for the Knights because of her energy and positive attitude. Having Davis back healthy gave the team a boost it did not have in their first meeting with West. Bernhard said the team made the most of having their spark plug back in the lineup. Her presence lifted everyone around her.

Off the court, Davis is already planning for her future after high school. She wants to study nursing or exercise science in college, though she does not plan to play volleyball at that level. She first tried the sport in eighth grade after her friend and teammate Ella Thompson talked her into tryouts. What started as a 'why not?' moment turned into a five-year career filled with memories.

The Knights now advance to face top-seeded Lockport in the sectional semifinals on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Lockport, known as the Porters, holds a strong 32–5 record and has beaten Lincoln-Way Central twice this season. It will be a tough challenge, but the Knights head in with confidence after their regional title win. Davis and her teammates say they are ready to compete at the next level.