HAMPSHIRE – Despite Sycamore’s impressive regular-season record and the Northern Illinois Big 12 East co-championship, the Spartans were forced to play in a rare regional quarterfinal Monday.

“You know what, you have to play the hand that’s dealt to you, and we know that,” Sycamore coach Debbie Klock said. “We didn’t start out our season well and we’ve been proving ourselves ever since, and they’re OK with that.”

Monday’s Class 3A Hampshire quarterfinal against the host Whip-Purs didn’t prove to be too challenging for Klock’s Spartans. Sycamore got off to an early lead in Game 1, then had a quick 10-point lead in Game 2, eventually leaving Hampshire with a 25-16, 25-11 win.