Sandburg sophomore Erica Staunton not only admires senior Anna Jonynas as a talented teammate, she also considers her a role model.

“I really look up to Anna,” Staunton said. “She's one of our strongest hitters. She'll be graduating after this year, but she'll always come back and help us.”

Staunton is gradually developing her own reputation as a leader, which she displayed at a crucial time in Tuesday's 25-19, 25-18 victory over Richards in the Class 4A Argo Regional semifinals.

The Eagles were trailing 15-11 in Game 1 when a Richards hitting error resulted in a sideout. Staunton followed up with a booming kill to propel a 5-0 run that put Sandburg in front.

A short time later, Staunton combined with teammate Lauren Mizera for a block that capped a 4-0 string and helped the Eagles ease away.

“Whenever someone gets a good kill, it usually pumps everyone up and gets their confidence going,” Staunton said. “When our energy is up, that's when we do the best.”

Jonynas led Sandburg (26-10) with 10 kills and 14 digs. Staunton added four kills, while Rachel Krasowski contributed 12 digs, and Maureen Imrie had 15 assists.

Sandburg, seeking its 13th consecutive regional championship, will play Lyons in Thursday's title match. Eagles coach David Vales is 9-for-9 in regional finals during his career.

“This regional, coach said, is going to be the hardest one we've had yet,” Staunton said. “But so far, so good.”

Richards (21-9) was led by Sarah Murczek (8 kills, 9 digs), Lauren Birmingham (7 kills) and Lindsey Dryier (12 digs).

The Bulldogs stayed as close as 21-18 in Game 1 and 9-7 in Game 2 before Sandburg started stringing points.

Murczek was tough for Sandburg to dig both from the front row and back.

“We came out fighting,” Murczek said. “This is the most we've ever really fought for a game. We didn't win, but we had a lot of fun playing. It was good to see everyone really focused on winning and showing a lot of energy.”

Lyons 25-25, Shepard 17-17: Sarah Kiwan had nine kills and seven digs, and Clare Flynn added 11 assists for Shepard (18-17).

The Astros had beaten Lyons in three games Friday at the Lyons Invitational. But Lyons (24-12) played that match without senior outside hitter Rhiannon Schuenemann. Schuenemann had nine kills in the rematch.

“After Friday, they had the benefit of going back and watching some film,” Shepard coach Brian Zofkie said. “Joann (Pyritz) is a great coach, and she learned our strengths and weaknesses. But we were competitive.”

Lemont 19-25-25, Oak Lawn 25-14-21: Beth Cannon totaled 15 kills and 10 digs to pace host Lemont (23-13) in the 4A regional semifinal. The Indians also received 17 assists from Amy Schwem and 10 kills from Courtney McAuliffe.

Lincoln-Way Central 25-25, Joliet Catholic 18-16: Kylie Kulinski finished with 10 assists, five kills and eight digs as Central (15-22) qualified for Class 4A regional final at Plainfield Central. Lucy Chesla chipped in 16 digs.

Lincoln-Way East 25-25, Joliet Central 6-17: Molly Hackett's 10 kills guided East (28-8) in the 4A Oak Forest Regional semifinal.

Lockport 25-25, Plainfield South 18-16: Jasmine Raudys posted seven kills to aid Lockport (23-12) in the 4A regional semifinal at Joliet West.

Mother McAuley 25-25, Kennedy 15-8: Katie O'Connell had eight kills and nine digs to lead McAuley (34-1) in the 4A Hinsdale Central Regional semifinal. Nancy Kane added 21 assists and six digs.

Marian Catholic 25-25, Rich South 10-12: Brittany Barlage and Temilade Adekoya had 11 and 10 assists, respectively, in helping Marian (26-9) advance to the 3A Ag. Science Regional championship.

Queen of Peace 25-25, Farragut 8-6: Haley Doyle served nine aces to lift host Queen of Peace (12-21) in the 3A regional semifinal.

Bremen 6, Morris 1: Jorge Villaneuva's two goals sparked Bremen (18-4-1) in the 2A Providence Sectional semifinal.

St. Francis 25-27-25-25, Olivet Nazarene 20-29-17-14: Alyssa Bridleman had 14 kills, and Leah Alles contributed 38 digs for St. Francis (22-10, 11-2 CCAC South).

St. Xavier 23-25-25-25, Trinity International 25-17-14-11: Courtney Joyce recorded 45 assists, and Helena Atton added 20 kills to propel St. Xavier (20-15, 11-3 CCAC North).

Trinity Christian 25-25-25, Indiana South Bend 14-23-17: Kaci Stoll put down 13 kills, and Tori Mantel dished out 33 assists in boosting Trinity Christian (19-13, 10-3 CCAC South).

Respect for USF, SXU: St. Francis' men's and women's basketball teams were each ranked fifth in the NAIA Division II Coaches' Top 25 preseason polls Tuesday. St. Xavier's women's team was sixth and the men's team 22nd.

Local volleyball trio cited: St. Xavier teammates Rory Manion and Courtney Joyce were selected CCAC Attacker of the Week and Setter of the Week, respectively. In addition, St. Francis' Alles earned conference Defender of the Week accolades.

Plaudits for Perry: St. Xavier's Alex Perry was named CCAC Women's Soccer Defender of the Week.

Freelance writer Josh Krockey contributed.

abaranek@tribpub.com