1A State Final Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypExpo2024 to save money off of your registration to our Top 250 Expo December 7!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've reached the end of the line for our volleyball season, and what a season it's been. We start off our day at Worthen Arena on the campus of Ball State University with the only #1 v #2 matchup of the day. Below, we'll list the teams, their records, and four players per team that will be key in bringing the big trophy home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Faith Christian (28-4), def. #10 South Newton in five in Semi State</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a combination of senior leadership and underclass talent, the Eagles have finally earned the opportunity to play for their school's first state title. Although largely undersized, this "little engine that could" has had a balanced attack that starts with <strong>Molly Miller.</strong> Her career has been an example of consistency, pounding out over 600 kills while hitting north of .300. A fellow senior, <strong>Anna Riley,</strong> is also consistent in her approach to the game, earning almost identical career numbers to Molly. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='386164' first='Caya' last='Stillings']</strong> has been the libero since she arrived on campus, and has the capability to pass half the court in any serve receive situation. Still just a junior, she should surpass 1000 digs on her stellar career next season. Fellow junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462512' first='Olivia' last='Barber']</strong> has been the most important part of the Eagles' success, keeping teams honest and distributing the offense evenly throughout the season. Miss Barber has been the 5-1 setter for the last two full seasons, and should pass 2000 career assists during her senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Trinity Lutheran (29-8), def. Indianapolis Lutheran in three in Semi State</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Largely untested during their playoff run, the Cougars have been playing the last month like they've been on a mission. Experienced, college-committed seniors run this program, as this might be one of the best the Cougars have run out there for a state title match. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157945' first='Carson' last='Bowling']</strong> is a big and physical middle that can attack from anywhere and will be a problem for the undersized Eagles. Her career has her at over 1300 kills while hitting over .300 the entire time. She also owns the school's career kills record, yet recently opened up her recruitment and is available. A surprise addition to the offense all season has been big freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='603158' first='Rachel' last='Bonde'],</strong> who is quietly putting together one of the best freshman seasons of any player in any class in some time. Her 6-2 frame and smooth approach to the game makes her look older and more experienced than she actually is. I would not be surprised if she starts seeing recruiting attention after Saturday's match. None of the offense happens, however, without a solid first contact, which the Cougars have in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378035' first='Laura' last='Roeder']</strong> (IU Indianapolis commit). The libero for TL since I can remember, Laura will pass the 1600 career dig mark during the title match on Saturday morning. Finally, IU Columbus commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='160069' first='Addison' last='Darlage']</strong> is a consistent and confident setter who can run any tempo ball in any situation, in- or out-of-system. In short, the Cougars have had a stellar season, playing one of the toughest schedules in the state during their march to Worthen. They should have no problem whatsoever when the brightest of lights turn on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edit: A previous version of this article had [player_tooltip player_id='157945' first='Carson' last='Bowling'] committed to IU Southeast. She has decommitted from the Grenadiers and has reopened her recruiting process.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->