The IHSA hands down a postseason ban to an area team, after they were reportedly contacted about how the team scheduled too many games on their season. The Pinckneyville Lady Panthers was removed from the IHSA State Series, after ruling that they violated Bylaw 5.322, in regard to girls volleyball, which prohibits the team from playing over 35 matches during their regular season. The 28-8 Lady Panthers were made aware of their violation on Monday. The extra match was included during the Labor Day weekend tournament, held at Marissa. According to IHSA executive director Craig Anderson, Pinckneyville gained an advantage by playing in an extra match. Due to the timing of the offense, that’s why they were given the ban. A conference call appear hearing was held on Tuesday morning, with the IHSA Board of Directors. After a 2-hour deliberation, they elected to uphold Anderson’s ruling. Pinckneyville offered 3 possible alternative punishments, during their appeal, which included suspending head coach Cathy Koenen, suspending Athletic Director Bob Waggoner, and forfeiting all 28 regular season wins. After the ruling, 27 of the 28 Pinckneyville wins will still count, with their 36th game being forfeited. The 9-1 record and a share of the Southern Illinois River to River Conference title, shared with Nashville, will also still count. Chester ended up winning their game last night against the Lady Panthers from the ruling, to advance to the Thursday night championship game against Du Quoin, at the Du Quoin regional.