When it comes to the state playoffs, Payton and Marian Central always seem to be on a collision course. The two have met in either the supersectionals of the Final Four in three of the past seven years. With its 25-23, 22-25, 25-21 win in the Antioch Supersectionl Saturday, Payton holds a 2-1 edge in those meetings as the Grizzlies head downstate for the third time in six years.

“The main difference, in my opinion, is this team has better chemistry,” said Payton coach Joel Anderson, who is in his seventh year at the school. “They always give a no die-effort and trust each other.”

The match was a back-and-forth battle, especially in Game 3.  The teams traded points until the Hurricanes pulled ahead, 18-15.  From there, the Grizzlies went on a 10-3 run to not only close out the set, but the math, sending them to next week’s state semifinals. Like she did in Thursday’s Westinghouse Sectional final win over Latin, Meredith Sonnefeldt finished the match off with two kills.

Payton was able to go on the run thanks to strong serving, as well as a block and a kill by sophomore Olivia Rozmus.

“One of the great things about this team is its versatility,” Anderson said. “It’s the shortest team I’ve had so we’ve had to move players around to different positions and told them that at the beginning of the year but they bought in.”

Game 1 saw Marian Central make a comeback, down 19-15 before going on an 8-4 run to tie the set at 23-all. However, Alina Rosales, who was one of seven Grizzlies to finish with seven kills, ended the game, giving Payton the one-game lead.

Hannah Davis finished with 10 kills for the Hurricanes (23-17), while Alex Kaufmann handed out 31 assists. Rozmus led Payton (27-11) with nine kills and seven blocks. Morgan Barnes and Sonnefeldt joined Rosales with seven kills apiece.

“Our success as a program shows that we don’t just have kids that are smart in the classroom, that they’re true student athletes,” said Anderson.

Payton advances to face LaSalle-Peru Friday.

Payton goes to state