Boys lacrosse and boys volleyball teams across the state received some good news Thursday when they learned the IHSA will host state finals series for both of those sports.
The IHSA Board of Directors voted virtually Wednesday to conduct full postseason state series for boys lacrosse and boys volleyball. The decision comes as Illinois prepares to enter the Bridge Phase and Phase 5 in its pandemic recovery plan on Saturday and June 11, respectively.
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Regions and All-Sports Policy previously limited travel by region in both sports, preventing them from having a full state tournament. Both sports previously were scheduled to play their first round of postseason competition (regionals in volleyball; sectionals in lacrosse). Now they can culminate their tournaments with state champions June 19.
“We are excited to be able to offer the same state tournament opportunities to boys volleyball and boys lacrosse student-athletes that we were already offering in sports like girls lacrosse, track and field, and girls soccer,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “We are confident in our ability to conduct all IHSA sports safely under the mitigations set forth by the IDPH All-Sports Policy, and appreciate the efforts of all Illinois citizens who have helped us reach the Bridge Phase and Phase 5 very soon.”
IHSA staff members are updating information and securing host sites for both tournaments. The IHSA will post updated information on its website, IHSA.org, and be communicating with coaches in those sports soon.
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