Top Five Entering Week Five In 1A

<p>Week five has begun in Indiana’s volleyball schedule, and a lot of the same faces grace our rankings. In 1A specifically, we’re just moving spots, with no new teams joining the fray. Many thanks to Zach McCrite and indianaprepvolleyball.com for his tireless work on Z-Rankings, making this series possible for me.</p> <p><strong>#5: Springs Valley (13-2)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #3</strong></em></p> <p>Since losing to 2A defending champ Barr-Reeve in four sets on September 7, the Blackhawks have not dropped a set in their mini-run of four straight wins. Their schedule this week could decide how long they stay in the top five. Mitchell (15-2) is looming on Thursday, and 2A #1 Tecumseh is the following Monday. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110507" first="Leigh" last="Carnes"] (’24, 5-7 S/RS)</strong> is a do-everything setter and right side, running a 6-2 in the back row and pounding balls in the front row.</p> <p><strong>#4: Wes-Del (12-3)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #1</strong></em></p> <p>Minor slip-ups happen. For the Warriors, losses to 4A Shelbyville and 2A #4 Western Boone won’t hurt them in the long run, and should expose them to know what to focus on in practice as we get deeper into the season. A favorable schedule this week should keep them in the top five. For now, look for senior <strong>Tori Clements (’22, 5-7 MB/OH)</strong> to be a physical presence at the net.</p> <p><strong>#3: Loogootee (10-3)</strong></p> <p><strong><i>Previous Ranking: #2</i></strong></p> <p>Since their loss to 1A #1 Trinity Lutheran back in August, the Lions haven’t dropped a set. A tough matchup against Vincennes Rivet (13-3) tomorrow night might decide the Blue Chip Conference title early in the season. <strong>Haylie Mathies (’22, 5-7 OH)</strong> is the x-factor on the attack if (or when) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101318" first="Kylie" last="VanHoy"] </strong>runs out of gas or has an off night. </p> <p><strong>#2: Lafayette Central Catholic (10-4)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #5</strong></em></p> <p>Wins over Frontier (14-4) and Mississinewa (10-3) over the weekend meant more to the rankings than their loss to Rossville. With a matchup against 13-2 Crawfordsville tonight, the bulk of their tough September schedule should be over, and the Knights will have enough time to prepare for the postseason. <strong>Kassidy Boener (’22, 5-7 OH/RS)</strong> is a nice complement to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104212" first="Grace" last="Roach"]</strong> on the offense. Here’s to hoping they stay healthy for the remainder of the season.</p> <p><strong>#1: Trinity Lutheran (13-4)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #4</strong></em></p> <p>If there ever was a year that the Cougars could own in 1A, it’s this year. A massive win over 4A Terre Haute South over the weekend powered TL to the #1 spot, and have a matchup against 11-3 Madison tonight to hopefully keep them here. Freshman setter <strong>Addison </strong><b>Darlage (’25, 5-7 S)</b> plays like she’s been there before, and is averaging over ten assists per set in TL’s amazing start.</p>