Volleyball Game Preview: Mater Dei Knights vs. Normal University Pioneers

The Mater Dei Knights will take on the Normal University Pioneers at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Mater Dei comes in on 13 and Normal University on 27.

Mater Dei is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 2-1 victory over Mascoutah. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Knights have posted since September 30th.

Ava Lampe

Digs

11/06/25 vs Mascoutah	17
11/04/25 vs Taylorville	10
10/30/25 vs Centralia	13
10/28/25 @ Mt. Vernon	7
10/25/25 vs St. Teresa	10
+ 6 more games

Mater Dei's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Ava Lampe, who had 17 digs and four assists, and Lauren Jamruk, who had ten digs and five assists. That's the most digs Lampe has posted since back in October.

Meanwhile, Normal University faced Morton in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Thursday. The Pioneers came out on top in a nail-biter against the Potters, sneaking past 2-1.

Mater Dei better keep an eye on Emma Jean Lehnen. She was instrumental in Normal University's win, getting 17 digs and one assist.

Mater Dei's record now sits at 33-6. As for Normal University, their record is now 35-4.

Mater Dei couldn't quite get it done against Normal University in their previous matchup back in September of 2024 as they fell 2-0. Can the Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.