The Gibault Hawks wrapped up another successful volleyball season with a record of 24-9, falling in their sectional championship game to Albion-Edwards County.

“I think the greatest factor in our success lies in our senior leadership and experience,” said head coach Heather Ebert of the season. “They help guide the underclassmen and motivate them to want it as badly as they do.”

The team was led by seniors Katy Gyore, Brittany Laurent, Courtney Schutt, Missy Kimlinger and Erin Unverferth. Schutt was one of the area leaders in aces and points per game, and Ashley Grohmann was among the top 10 in the area in assists, averaging almost 10 per game.

“Our keys to success are always swinging for kills and playing big,” Ebert said of her team’s approach to games. “We believe that playing safe can sometimes be the most dangerous thing to do.”

The Hawks kicked off their postseason run defeating Red Bud Oct. 29 in three games. Schutt led the team with 14 points on the night. They beat Nashville two days later to win their regional championship, two games to one, with Schutt and Laurent tying with 11 points each and Grohmann racking up 40 assists and 9 points.

Gibault opened sectional play by defeating Pinckneyville in two games before falling to Edwards County Nov. 10, and missing out on a chance to advance to the super-sectionals.