Edwardsville erupted in celebration on May 29, 2026, after a 2-0 victory over Peoria Notre Dame in the Class 3A Normal Community Sectional championship, delivering the program’s first sectional crown since 2024 and securing a spot in the upcoming Bloomington Super-Sectional.
Maxim’s decisive strike
Anna Maxim opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, unleashing a left‑footed shot from outside the box that curled past the Peoria Notre Dame keeper and set the tone for the match.
Just over half an hour later, Maxim struck again, heading home a corner delivery from Thea Dimitroff in the 56th minute to double the lead and cement a comfortable margin.
Coach Justin Bernaix, who has guided the Eagles throughout the season, emphasized treating the opposition as just another strong side, a mindset that seemed to pay dividends on the field.
The defensive unit, anchored by goalkeeper Genny Burroughs, preserved a clean sheet, registering the team’s 13th shutout of the campaign and frustrating Peoria Notre Dame’s usually potent attack.
The win came just 48 hours after Edwardsville edged O’Fallon 1-0 in the sectional semifinals, a victory that had already hinted at the team’s momentum heading into the final.
With the sectional title in hand, the Eagles now turn their attention to the Bloomington Super-Sectional, where they will meet Lincoln‑Way Central in a clash of the state’s top contenders.
Peoria Notre Dame, who entered the match unbeaten at 23‑1‑2, saw their streak of three consecutive state‑tournament appearances snapped, leaving a bittersweet end to a remarkable season.