NORMAL — When Benet junior libero Claire Weathers took the court at CEFCU Arena for the Class 4A state championship match on Saturday night, she knew she was playing for a program — and in a place — steeped in tradition.

The Redwings were playing in their fourth consecutive state final. But it was the first for Weathers.

“As my first time, it definitely was a little nerve-wracking, but I was more excited than I was nervous,” she said. “It’s such an amazing opportunity.

“To have it as the first time on this team is incredible, and I would never forget this moment ever.”

Weathers would, however, change the outcome. She had four digs and three assists as Benet lost to Marist 25-18, 25-17.

The Redwings (39-3) have lost four consecutive state finals. Marist (38-5) beat them in the last two.

It was a heartbreaking ending for a senior class that included setter Ellie Stiernagle, middle hitter Lynney Tarnow, outside hitters Brooklynne Brass and Sophia Chinetti, right-side hitter Molly Welge, and defensive specialists Abby Lee and Erin Johnson.

That’s what caused Weathers to choke up following the trophy ceremony.

“It’s just such a special moment,” she said. “They’ve given me hospitality since the first practice, and they are just such amazing girls to be around.

“I’m going to miss them so much. It’s a great life with them because this volleyball team was such a fun team.”

The Redwings had a lot of fun during another great season. They even had good moments against Marist.

Benet’s Brooklynne Brass (5) hits the ball over the net against Marist during the Class 4A state championship match at CEFCU Arena in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (Rob Dicker / Naperville Sun)

Brass, a Maryland commit, led the team with nine kills and nine digs. Welge, a Marquette commit, had six kills and three blocks. Chinetti, a Rhode Island commit, had four kills. Tarnow, a Wisconsin commit, had two kills and a block. Stiernagle, a Northwestern commit, had 16 assists and seven digs.

Stiernagle and Tarnow became the first players in program history to play in four state championship matches. Benet and Mother McAuley are the only schools to appear in four straight. Both have accomplished the feat twice.

“We’re really proud of our senior class,” Benet coach Brad Baker said. “They’re great people, great kids, super to coach and competitive. They’re going to be hard to replace as far as human beings.

“Next year, we’re going to have a new crew. It will be a new challenge.”

One which Weathers, who replaced four-year starter Aniya Warren as libero, will be expected to lead. She and junior middle hitter Sophia Youssef will be the only returning starters.

“Claire is already becoming such an amazing libero,” Tarnow said. “I’m really, really proud of her because there was some doubt because we, of course, had Aniya last year and she was such a well-known libero.

“But now Claire has made a name for herself, and she has it in her to lead this team next year.”

Benet’s Ellie Stiernagle (11) and Lynney Tarnow (12) go up to block against Marist during the Class 4A state championship match at CEFCU Arena in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (Rob Dicker / Naperville Sun)

Stiernagle agreed that Weathers can be that leader.

“She’s going to be a shining, bright star next year,” Stiernagle said. “Any college would be so lucky to have her.”

The Redwings were lucky to have two dominant four-year stars like Tarnow and Stiernagle.

“I think that’s impressive enough,” Tarnow said of the four appearances in state finals. “Of course, it’s not what we wanted. You want the gold around your neck at the end of the day, but we have to give it up to the other team. They just outplayed us.

“At the end of the day, I’m a senior. I’ve loved these past four years, no matter the outcome, and I’m proud of all we’ve done.”

So is Stiernagle, even though Benet fell short of winning its fifth state title.

“Even being in the one percent of the one percent, just to even be here, I think a lot of us took it in way more this year and didn’t take it for granted,” she said. “This is our last time playing in this gym, so we really appreciate every time that we’ve been down here and all the memories we’ve made.

“They’re unforgettable. We can’t trade them for the world. So even though we did lose, I think that the memories that were made over the past four years are just unbeatable.”

Stiernagle has a message for anyone who thinks the Redwings might not be as good next season.

“Watch out for Benet next year,” she said. “They’re going to be down here, and they’re going to kill it. Fifth time’s the charm.”

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/16/volleyball-4a-state-final-marist-benet-claire-weathers/