Indiana 3A Preview: Can The Royals Run It Back?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want $10 off of your Freshman or Stock Up Showcase on July 27? Use code KypDig2025 at checkout!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cementing their place among the best of the best in Indiana volleyball history, the Roncalli Royals plowed through their schedule undefeated last fall, dropping only five sets all season. In fact, Roncalli swept every opponent from September 23 to the state title match (November 9), a run of 16 matches. We won't soon forget the play of <strong>Logan Bell,</strong> Kansas signee and MaxPreps and Gatorade POY, along with her four-year run as a six-rotation outside for the Royals. With every team, however, comes turnover. Do the Royals have enough to run it back?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roncalli (35-0 in 2024)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a top-twenty strength of schedule on the docket, the Royals play just about anyone in the state, including volleyball powers Hamilton Southeastern, Yorktown, Cathedral, Center Grove and Brownsburg. That schedule, coupled with a roster filled with high-end club training, kept this group prepped for the long haul, and I'm not just talking about one season. Yes, there was Logan, a four-year stalwart that should be named as one of the best players in Roncalli history. Let's not forget M1 <strong>Mackenzie Kruer,</strong> a Michigan State soccer signee, who was a great outlet on offense to keep defenses honest. <strong>Eva Hurrle</strong>, a DePaul signee, was also a key cog in serve receive and defense. Even with those graduations, however, there are so many pieces coming back. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='254827' first='Lydia' last='Stahley'],</strong> a Missouri commit, was the leading attacker last fall, and is a terminal outlet any setter would covet. Fellow senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221342' first='Lily' last='Jones'],</strong> a Central Michigan commit, is a hammer from the right pin, but can put balls away from anywhere. Senior setter and Xavier commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='252404' first='Addie' last='Haberthy']</strong> has been THE setter for the Royals for years, and should surpass 2000 assists in the first few matches of the season. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='413233' first='Reagan' last='Turk'],</strong> a West Virginia commit, is on track for 1000 career digs for the Royals. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='546228' first='Ella' last='Stone'],</strong> the only returning underclassman starter, is a solid M2 on this roster. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: It is VERY hard to repeat as state champs. But there's enough here to do it.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see so many different playoff scenarios where the matches against the Royals will be such-and-such team's "state championship". For Roncalli, every team they face this fall will be bringing their best game on every match. However, if they can survive the gauntlet of teams they could face in the postseason, which will include Cathedral and Angola, a repeat title is well within their grasp. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->