Du Quoin eighth-grade Lady Warriors take home regional championship

The Du Quoin eighth-grade Lady Warriors advanced to the SIJHSAA state tournament Thursday night, defeating Hamilton County and West Frankfort to capture the Hamilton County regional championship.
DMS opened up against the regional host, defeating the Lady Foxes in straight sets, 26-24, 25-18.
Lauren Heape led the charge with a team-high six kills, while Sophie Miller had a team-high seven assists.
DMS advanced to take on West Frankfort for the regional championship.
After dropping the first set, 25-21, the Lady Warriors rebounded to take the next two sets, 25-20, 15-12, earning the regional crown and a spot in the state finals.
Delaynie Dearmond came up big in the regional final, collecting a team-high 10 kills, while Ayanna Dunklin finished right behind with seven of her own.
With the win, DMS will play in the SIJHSAA state finals which will take place at Pinckneyville High School.
The Lady Warriors will open up tournament action against the winner of the Whiteside regional which takes place Monday night. The opening match is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.
Stats (vs. Hamilton County)
Kills: Miller 1; Dunklin 4; Heape 6; Aubrey Barwick 3; Dearmond 3
Assists: Miller 7; Heape 4
Digs: Heape 2; Dearmond 1
Aces: Miller 2; Dunklin 2; Lindsey Grossman 2; Lexi Cobin 3; Heape 3; Barwick 1
Stats (vs. West Frankfort)
Kills: Miller 1; Dunklin 7; Heape 2; Barwick 2; Ella Hirsch 2; Dearmond 10
Assists: Miller 7; Heape 5
Digs: Heape 4
Aces: Dunklin 2; Grossman 4; Barwick 3
Blocks: Heape 2