CULVER – Triton rode the momentum of strong all-around play to make its way to the final of the Culver Volleyball Sectional Saturday. The Lady Trojans powered past South Central (Union Mills) 3-1 to reach the championship match, set for 7 p.m. this evening.

Triton’s Lauren Hostrawser hits around three South Central defenders during Triton’s 3-1 win Saturday in the Culver Volleyball Sectional semi-finals. (Photos by Mike Deak)

It was a morning of rallies for the Lady Trojans, who needed to rally in game one and did so in game two in crucial fashion. Trailing 13-8 in game one, Triton went on a 13-4 run behind the work of Jaela Meister at the net as well as shaky play by Central’s defense. A 25-21 win in game one by the Lady Trojans led to a 25-15 in game two, which was also fueled by streaky Triton play.

Meister’s three kills early in game two kept Triton even at 12-12, but a 6-0 Triton run broke open the game, and a hammer by Becca Kennedy pushed Triton’s lead to 22-13 and firm control.

“I think we had the sectional jitters in the first game,” Triton head coach Samantha Willsey said. “It usually takes us a little bit to get started, honestly. I wasn’t too worried about the start.”

Riley Popplewell of South Central attacks Lauren Hostrawser and Triton.

The Satellites would not roll over, letting defensive errors on Triton’s side of the net open up a 21-12 Central lead and eventual 25-14 game three result in the pink-clad Central’s favor.

But instead of folding up the tent that Triton had done in a handful of matches where opponents began to assert themselves, the Lady Trojans fired back in a big way. Jumping out to a 12-3 lead, Triton played inspired volleyball in closing out a 25-13 win, moving to the sectional final.

“After the third game, I said we had to refocus,” Willsey said. “I told them we will not go five games with them. If we go five games, they probably beat us. Just get out there and get the job done right now.”

Triton head coach Samantha Willsey encourages Quinn Downing and the Lady Trojans against South Central.

Lauren Hostrawser had a huge game against South Central’s big front line, leading Triton with 11 kills and five blocks. Jaela Meister recorded nine kills and seven digs while Becca Kennedy chipped in nine kills and eight digs, including some big hits late.

Krystal Sellers set up 27 points and added 10 digs and Quinn Downing had nine digs, but held the Lady Trojan defense together at times when the Satellites were dictating pace.

Triton (14-13 overall) is in good shape to claim its sixth sectional championship in volleyball, at least on paper. Entering the final, the Lady Trojans won the season matchup 3-0 against both Oregon-Davis and Culver, which were playing in game two of the semi-finals. Should Triton win tonight, they will play in the one-game regional Tuesday at the winner of the Fort Wayne Blackhawk Sectional.