1A State Final Preview

Kyp Harasymowycz October 31, 2021 @ 10:04 AM

We did it! With the state championship teams set in all four classes for an 11 a.m. start on Saturday, November 6, we have reached the top of the mountain that is the high school volleyball season in Indiana. First up, our preview of the 1A state championship. Lafayette Central Catholic (26-9) It was heartbreaking to hear of LCC being removed from the postseason in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. Fast-forward a year later, and the Knights are exactly where they wanted---and expected---to be. After dispatching Kouts in a little over an hour, using their size and volleyball IQ to dominate, they’re one step from glory. The "team" concept runs deep for Brad McCarter’s squad, as five players notched kills, six got in on at least one (of 13!!!) blocks, and all ten players that played had at least one dig. To run something so balanced, you’re going to need a setter. Insert [player_tooltip player_id="154812" first="Kaitlyn" last="Kuckkan"] (’25, 5-7 S), who has an older sister playing at Valpo and an innate ability to do everything and anything asked of her. Sophomore ’bro [player_tooltip player_id="155571" first="Rachel" last="Vorst"] (’24, 5-6 DS/L) is the anchor in the back row, and her pursuit is relentless. Attackers? The Knights have a bunch, headlined by seniors Caitlin Dineen (’22, 5-9 RS/OH) and Kassidy Boener (’22, 5-7 OH/RS). The balance even extends to the ages of the Knights; yes, there are six seniors, but there are also two freshmen who see extensive playing time, adding to the experience of this squad. Trinity Lutheran (30-4) Although the Cougars are two years removed from their last state final appearance, and this roster has turned over a bit since then, it’s still the same ol’, same ol’ volleyball studs year-in and year-out. Coach Faith Wilder-Newland’s squad has always been in the top ten annually, and I hope they get that elusive state title this Saturday. Dropping exactly one set in the post-season (to Loogootee, 1A runner-up in ’20), the Cougars were rarely tested in their semi-state match yesterday against Bloomfield, finishing them off in about an hour. Another balanced attack in 1A, three athletes average three or more kills per set. [player_tooltip player_id="104217" first="Bailey" last="Tabeling"] (’23, 5-9 MB) uses her explosiveness and strength to overpower opponents. Ruthie Bingham (’22, 5-7 RS) is probably the biggest leaper of the bunch. [player_tooltip player_id="157945" first="Carson" last="Bowling"] (’25, 5-10 MB) uses her length to slow down most opponents to have floor general [player_tooltip player_id="93748" first="Kamzi" last="Gross"] (’22, 5-5 DS/L) scoop everything else.