4A State Championship Recap
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Finally, we get to the big girls. The largest class in the state of Indiana for volleyball didn’t even feature the largest schools in the class. Neither Castle nor McCutcheon are even in the top 30 in enrollment in the…
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Continue ReadingFinally, we get to the big girls. The largest class in the state of Indiana for volleyball didn’t even feature the largest schools in the class. Neither Castle nor McCutcheon are even in the top 30 in enrollment in the state. Nevertheless, we have been treated to some of the best ball the state has to offer, and although the match was the only sweep of the night, everyone in attendance was rewarded for their staying power.
#6 McCutcheon (30-6) def. #9 Castle (32-3), 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-23)
Of the teams I listed way back in August that I thought would be here, neither came up. Oh, sure, both had quality attackers, defenders and setters. Both had high-level coaching. Both programs have multiple club players. Both have rich traditions in volleyball. But neither had won a state title. Neither team had been here since McCutcheon did so in 1989 (McCutcheon was runner-up). Castle hadn’t been here in 40 years.
Yet here we were.
Castle’s upset in last year’s sectionals was a big deal for the southern half of the state. It was also a big deal for the six returning starters for this fall. With revenge and determination on the brain, Katie Kopshever (’24, 5-11 OH/RS) seemed to be the new injection of talent that the Knights needed this fall, finishing the title match with 10 kills, 4 digs and a block. Setter Breanna Lane (’23, 5-9 S) dished out 23 assists and had her team’s only double-double with 12 digs. Libero Keira Moore (’22, 5-6 DS/L) also chipped in 12 digs. With 9 seniors on this roster, here’s to hoping we get some younger Knights in the coming seasons.
It seems only fitting that the final kill for both set two and set three came from Chloe Chicoine Chloe Chicoine 5'9" | OH McCutcheon | 2023 State #1 Nation IN (’23, 5-9 OH, Penn State commit). The U.S. Youth National Team member led all attackers with 24 kills, had 17 digs, 2 assists and an ace, all while being a primary passer (23 receptions, 1 error) and hitting at a .321 clip. Allie Shondell Allie Shondell 5'9" | S McCutcheon | 2024 State #78 Nation IN (’24, 5-10 S) continues her rise up her class’ rankings, finishing with 39 assists, 8 digs, 2 kills, a block and an ace. The Mavericks graduate only two (one starter) from this year’s squad to possibly make a run next fall.