NORMAL - An uninspired performance in the opening game left the Breese Central High School volleyball team with a choice Friday at the Class 2A State Tournament semifinals.

Summon a better second effort or play for third.

"It definitely woke us up," said Cougars' senior Lauren Budde. "We were down and every time we had a bad play, we got down even more. The second game we were getting after it more."

Breese Central rebounded from an opening-game loss with stunning efficiency to knock off previously undefeated Maroa-Forsyth, 16-25, 25-15, 25-8, at Redbird Arena.

"You have to regroup and come back. We weren't executing anything the first game," Cougars' coach Jim Cook said. "We got strong and got to the ball much quicker. We had to see what they do when they have to play every ball instead of us giving it to them."

Breese Central (32-8) meets Hampshire in today's 12:45 p.m. state title match. Maroa-Forsyth (34-1) faces Chicago Christian for third place at 11:45 a.m.

Jessica Hemann was dominant in game three and had 13 total kills for the Cougars. Budde added eight kills and Allyn Beckmann seven.

Ohio University recruit Rachel Hockaday had seven of her 16 kills in the first game. The Trojans, who also got 20 assists from Aly Colee, had a .375 first-game hitting percentage but finished at .094.

"That was by far the best team we've ever had to face," Maroa-Forysth coach Jamie Florey said. "As a first-year coach, I was a little rattled myself the third game. We've never had a game like this. I was speechless."

Hampshire-Chicago Christian

With 13 kills, Hampshire's Jena Karkos bested the entire Chicago Christian team as the Whip-Purs rolled to a 25-16, 25-14 victory in the opening semifinal.

"The crowd was amazing," Karkos said. "But you have to block that out and concentrate on what you're doing."

Hampshire (37-3) fell behind 4-0 in game two but rallied for an 8-8 tie before surging past Chicago Christian (34-4).

"We knew in this kind of environment, you have to come out intense and aggressive," said Hampshire coach Karen Whitehouse. "Our serving was extremely aggressive and our serve receive was phenomenal so we were able to run our offense."

Kara Wehrs registered 23 assists and Amy Wehrs 14 digs for the Whip-Purs. Becca Kamp had six of the Knights' 12 kills.

"A lot of teams we play don't fight back quite as hard," Chicago Christian coach Leah Bruskewitz said. "They got down the second game and still pushed back. That's one of the strongest offenses we've faced."