Indiana 3A Preview: Will The Bruins Bounce Back?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want $10 off of your registration to our Freshman or Stock Up Showcases on July 27? Use code KypDig2025 at checkout!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tri-West Bruins, slowly on their way up to relevance in the volleyball world, took everyone by storm last fall with an epic 33 win season. That number of wins included triumphs over 1A state champ Trinity Lutheran, Avon, Westfield, Carmel, Cathedral (twice!), Brebeuf, 2A state champ Western Boone and Center Grove, just to name a few. With that comes expectations. Expectations that changed once Izzy Masten reclassified to the class of '25 and left for Pitt early. With the heart and soul of the Bruins gone, will they be back to glory in the fall?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tri-West (33-4 in 2024)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What an amazing season the Bruins had. A run all the way to the semi state final, where they ran into the buzzsaw that was Roncalli on their way to an undefeated 3A state title. That still doesn't discount the successes, but what happened during club season might have changed the course of this program. Yes, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260995' first='Caroline' last='Ward'],</strong> one of the top recruits in the class of '27, returns as an athletic terminal attacker that will be much needed this coming fall and beyond. Being an alternate on the U19 team for NORCECAs is an amazing accomplishment, and one that should never be taken lightly. However, where's her supporting cast back home in Lizton? Fellow junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='481215' first='Blair' last='Benner']</strong> is a nice addition to the middle hitting position. Aside from those two, however, not much returns on the offensive side, as three of the top four attackers from a year ago have moved on. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443860' first='Finley' last='Dakin']</strong> should be in the libero jersey again, and will be much needed to take care of serve receive---even more now with Masten gone. <strong>Grace </strong><b>Har</b><strong>gis</strong> is one part of the 6-2 that ran the offense last season, but is she skilled enough (or big enough) to run it on her own? And aside from the two attackers listed above, are there others coming up from the JV ranks?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction: This is NOT the Bruin team from a season ago. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lebanon, Danville and Brebeuf are all like a pride of lions on the hunt once word of Izzy Masten leaving early happened. This sectional is now anyone's to win, and unless Tri-West finds a few more pieces on the offense, plus a few more "it factors" to round out the roster, this squad will be lucky to get to 20 wins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->