Top Five 1A Schools Going Into Postseason

<p>The sectional draws have been announced, the sites have been named, and things just got serious. What Indiana does is different from what other states do; all of our postseason draws are "out-of-a-hat", per se. All random, with hopes that a lucky draw could get you that much closer to getting out of the sectional. That being said, it’s not often that these teams get mentioned, since rankings and success mean so little in the postseason. With one week left in the regular season, we emphasize the leaders of the pack, and the setters that led them there. </p> <p><strong>#5: Springs Valley (22-5)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #5</strong></em></p> <p>The Blackhawks have led the Patoka Lake Conference all season long, and will have the title decided in the last regular season match against a tough Perry Central squad. SV is fortunate enough, however, to be running a 6-2 with two capable setters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110507" first="Leigh" last="Carnes"] (’24) </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108840" first="Brynne" last="Buchanan"] (’23).</strong> Leigh also leads this squad in kills, doubling as an attacker when she gets to the front row. </p> <p><strong>#4: Frontier (20-6)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: NR</strong></em></p> <p>We welcome the Falcons back to the rankings after a brief hiatus. Unlike SV, Frontier lost their de facto conference title last night to a big and strong South Newton (25-4) squad. Setter <strong>Emily Bell (’24, 5-5 S)</strong> has been averaging over ten assists per set, and will have a revenge match against the Rebels in the first round of the sectional. </p> <p><strong>#3: Lafayette Central Catholic (19-8)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #3</strong></em></p> <p>The Knights drew a tough Covington squad, also 19-8, in the first round of the state tournament, proving that theory of blind draws making the most of first-round matchups rather than in the sectional finals. The Knights defeated the Trojans earlier in the year, but things have changed a bunch since late August. Freshman stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="154812" first="Kaitlyn" last="Kuckkan"] (’25, 5-7 S) </strong>runs the show at nine assists per set, and has volleyball in her genes; older sister Gretchen is an outside hitter for Valparaiso University.</p> <p><strong>#2: Wes-Del (20-5)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #4</strong></em></p> <p>The Warriors have lost exactly one match to a 1A school---#5 Springs Valley. Luckily for both, they won’t meet again unless they meet in the state final. I’m a fan of both <strong>Avery Townsend (’23, 5-6 S/DS) </strong>and <strong>Jennah Love (’24, 5-3 S/DS), </strong>both of which could run the show alone or partner in a 6-2 at any time. </p> <p><strong>#1: Trinity Lutheran (23-4)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Previous Ranking: #1</strong></em></p> <p>Was there ever a doubt that the Cougars would be in this position in October? Their four losses are to top ten programs in 4A (Providence, Seymour and Terre Haute South) and 2A (Tecumseh). Being an independent without a conference to call home, TL has the liberty of playing anyone at any time, and stack their schedule with the toughest volleyball programs out there. It’s no wonder they always seem to be in the mix come state title time. Freshman phenom <strong>Addison Darlage (’25, 5-7 S)</strong> is being asked to run the show for the Cougars (at almost 11 assists per set), but has also played middle because of her athleticism in previous club years. Can this be the Cougars’ year? A five-set win over 4A Floyd Central last night shows that they’re ready for the challenge.</p>