The girls volleyball teams for Providence and Nazareth proved a lot to themselves just by meeting each other Friday afternoon.

After coming up just short of the Class 3A state semifinals last year with a second straight supersectional loss, the Celtics beat Washington in two sets on Monday to make it to Normal.

Likewise, the Roadrunners went just 3-31 last year before knocking off Fenwick to earn an improbable trip to state. 1 of 12

Volleyball: Nazareth vs. Providence, Class 3A State semifinal Nazareth players celebrate as the Roadrunners secured a victory in two sets, 25-16, 25-17, over Providence in the IHSA Class 3A State semifinals on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (Tiffany Blanchette)

So either way, both teams had plenty to be proud of just by making the semis. Still, neither of t

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