Rock Falls cleared a hurdle Tuesday, defeating LaSalle-Peru 25-20, 25-16 in Tuesday’s Class 3A Sectional semifinals at Mendota. It was the Rockets’ first sectional win after two tries.

“We played awesome. Everyone was so cohesive,” said Rock Falls senior Jordan Giddings, who had nine kills. “It felt great to overcome something that we haven’t been able to do these past 3 years.”

The Rockets (28-10) will face Dunlap, a 25-21, 25-18 winner over Freeport in Thursday’s title match at 7 p.m. The Rockets thumped Dunlap 20-7, 20-12 in pool play Oct. 6 at the Dixon Invitational.