Sawyer Secrist knew her team had their backs against the wall.

So she put them on her back.

The ROWVA/Williamsville senior striker ripped off five straight kills to rally the Cougars to a decisive third game victory over Bureau Valley , taking Wednesday’s Class 1A regional semifinal at the Storm Cellar 25-20, 23-25, 25-21.

“I get so excited. It’s a like feeling no one’s ever had before,” Secrist said. “Sometimes you got to put the team on your back and let them play.”

The Cougars (31-6) advance to play No. 2 Wethersfield (29-5) in Thursday’s finals at 6 p.m. The Geese rallied to defeat No. 8 Alleman 16-25, 25-21, 25-23 in Wednesday’s first semifinal.

Bureau Valley coach Saige Barnett praised her seniors for getting the Storm (16-17) where they got this season.

“Those seniors are th

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