Mykel Ivy

MUNCIE – The noise coming from a recent Burris volleyball practice is audible from the entrance doors of the Ball State Student Recreation and Wellness Center. It’s so loud that an observer might think it was the fifth set of a sectional match, not the end of a four-hour preseason practice.

“Those people on the bikes up there,” Burris coach Mike Dodrill said during a break in practice, pointing to the fitness center some 100 yards away, “have been getting annoyed with us all week. These girls are just full of energy.”

Later in practice, the chatter stops suddenly. A young boy watching from the second level asked, “Why’s it so quiet?”

The reason for the silence is that Dodrill started instructing a player. Perhaps it was nothing, but perhaps it was a sign that the first-year coach has already captured his new team’s attention — and more importantly, its respect.

Dodrill said the transition from being their teacher at Burris, where he has taught the last 14 years, to coach has been smooth. He laid out team rules from the beginning, and the players have abided.

“Being one of our teachers at Burris, a lot of us have had him already,” Taylor Jackson said. “And respect is his biggest thing while in the classroom, as well as on the volleyball court.”

The communication was so free-flowing that it’s also surprising only four players who got significant time last season are back: Abby Ludwick, Anna Bilello, Alissa Kunczt and Jackson.

As a result, Dodrill is going to rely on several freshmen, including Mykel Ivy.

“All of us stick together and encourage each other a lot,” Ivy said of how the team has grown together so quickly. “Sometimes people want to get down on themselves, but we just tell them that they can do it, to keep going and push through.”

Dodrill is trying to be realistic with a team which went 18-17 last season under John Rodriguez. He recognizes the potential, but is preaching patience, as any coach would with a young team.

“The challenge is going to be getting ready just to play,” Dodrill said. “Sometimes when we play each other, we look pretty good, but we’re just playing other inexperienced players. The challenge is to get game speed, to where other schools with more experience are at.”

The Owls are pleased with their progress thus far, and they’re excited to see where they are a month or two from now.

“We’re such a new team that progression is such a big thing,” Jackson said. “We’ve been going at it for two-and-a-half months now, and from then until now, we’ve seen such a big improvement.”

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Lindsay Ingenito

DALEVILLE – Conventional wisdom says that the most experienced players serve as team leaders.

But when the Daleville volleyball team voted on a team captain, the players elected a sophomore. Then, coach Beth Etchison picked another sophomore as a second captain.

That might seem unconventional, but the Broncos seem to be OK with it. The two sophomores – Lindsay Ingenito and Zannah Weber – are confident in their ability to take charge.

“We know what our role is on the team, and we push the others,” said Weber, the Broncos’ setter. “We even push the other upperclassmen to get better.

“They accept their role, we accept ours; that’s how it is. They’re supportive and they’re happy for us that we were able to get this.”

That this is how it wound up isn’t entirely surprising upon closer examination. Ingenito was an All-Conference and All-County player as a freshman, and Etchison says Weber is a sharp volleyball mind who is in a natural leadership role as setter.

But to have four seniors and three juniors buy in is crucial.

“To follow a sophomore captain, that tells you about our team this year; we’re completely selfless,” Etchison said. “Everybody fills their role where they know they can help best for the team. It’s not about them, it’s about the team. That’s what I love about this group.”

Weber was voted in by her teammates, while Ingenito was tabbed by Etchison. A third captain will join the duo at pregame meetings with officials, which will be chosen by Etchison each week based on character and practice performance.

The Broncos, who went 12-15 last season, will rely on Ingenito in the middle. Etchison said Breanna Townsend is strong on the outside, and she’ll be joined by Jenny Shellabarger – the team’s most improved player last season. Lexi Leisure, another member of a strong sophomore class that won the county championship as eighth graders, will be the libero. Zoe Brubaker will play in the back row, with Liberty Christian transfers Kaylee Allen and Emily Kardatzke on the right side.

Etchison likes using the “next-man-up” mantra for her lineup, which only works when players support one another. The Broncos don’t see that being an issue, either.

“If they’re told they’re not going to play this position right now,” Ingenito said, “they’re OK with that and willing to cheer on the other people who are in, and support them no matter what.”

Etchison said she has put together a difficult schedule – including right away with defending state champion Wes-Del, Wapahani and Cowan – but she’s excited to see how the team responds.

“I think we’re balanced,” Etchison said. “Experience and a young core that is hungry.”

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Yorktown’s Kendall Murr returns a serve during a 2014 match. Yorktown is back in Class 3A this season.

YORKTOWN – The Yorktown Tigers might be equipped to sit atop Class 3A, but they’re not acting like it. In fact, they’re proceeding as if they’re on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The preseason media poll released Friday pits Yorktown tied at the top of Class 3A after the Tigers spent the past two seasons in Class 4A due to the IHSAA’s tournament success factor. But earlier this week at a preseason practice, coach Stephanie Bloom stopped play several times.

Things like not diving for a reachable ball irk Bloom, and she let the team know. True to her word, she immediately pulled one player from a scrimmage after a ball fell just short.

“We need a push sometimes,” senior Jade York said.

And Bloom is just the one to provide that push.

“I just don’t want them to get comfortable,” Bloom said. “And we have a lot of room to grow.

“I think the other thing is, the longer I coach, the more I’m able to see the personality and the makeup of a team. What I know about this group is they’re going to be at their best when they’re flat-out getting after it. That doesn’t mean it’s always going to look good, but if they can be scrappy and play hard, I’ll put them up against anybody. If they don’t, it’s 50-50, and they need to understand that.”

One of the points Bloom is using to motivate the Tigers is their depth. It’s not as if Yorktown is three deep at every spot, but there’s a lot of flexibility for Bloom to work with, meaning players can seamlessly switch positions.

“We know that we’re really small this year,” senior Kate Avila said, “so we have to pick it up with our intensity and our defense and communication in order to make up for being so small.

“Compared to years past, we’re definitely smaller, so we’re putting more of an emphasis on our defensive play.”

York was the libero two years ago, and a back injury in the preseason last year meant the Ball State-bound Avila slid over into that spot last season. Both are vying for time there this season. Bella Rosenthall and Brooke Wilson will also be counted on in the back row.

Rhyen Neal, Kendall Murr and Olivia Reed give the Tigers, who went 30-7 and won a sectional last season, experience on the front line. The top two attackers from that team, Karli Acree and Carson Malapit, both graduated.

“We’re just going to have to spread our offense a lot more,” setter Mimi Arrington said. “We’re not going to have one main, big hitter. Everyone is going to have to contribute.”

The pieces are in place for another deep postseason run, like when the Tigers made it to the state final in 2012 – the last time they were in Class 3A.

“I’m a competitor and I’m intense,” Bloom said, “and I probably am always going to be the hardest on them because I want to push them to the absolute max as an athlete, as a person, because I think a lot of times, they don’t know what they have in them, and they can do a little more. I want them to pull that out.”

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Yorktown coach Stephanie Bloom gives directions to her team during a 2013 match.

While the one at the end of the season carries far more weight, the preseason volleyball media poll — compiled by IndianaPrepVolleyball.com — is out, and six East Central Indiana teams are in the top 10.

Yorktown, coming off a 30-7 season in Class 4A, is tied with Northview atop the Class 3A poll, with each tallying 65 points. The Tigers received two of a possible eight first-place votes, while Northview accumulated three. Yorktown is back in 3A this season after two seasons in 4A due to the IHSAA’s tournament success factor.

Yorktown’s chief rival, Delta, isn’t far behind at No. 6 in 3A. The Eagles, who went 27-6 last season and lost to Central in their sectional opener, received 39 points to edge Jasper.

Defending Class A state champion Wes-Del —in Class 2A this year because of the success factor rule — received three first-place votes in the 2A poll on the heels of a 35-3 season. The Warriors got 59 points to slide in at No. 3, just behind Southwood and Hammond Noll. Wapahani, which is dropping down from 3A after going 21-9 last season, is fourth with 52 points. Burris is tied with Barr-Reeve for fifth with 39 points.

In Class A, Cowan is No. 6 with 40 points — half that of first-place Christian Academy’s 80.

Central, bumping up to 4A because of its increase in enrollment after the consolidation with Southside, was listed in the others receiving votes, as were Daleville and Union in Class A. The Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association preseason poll is scheduled to be released Sunday.

Delta’s Kaylee Nichols hits against Central in a 2014 match.

Blackford Bruins

• Coach: Melissa Antrim (first season)

• Last season: 7-25

• Returning players: Sr. Peyton Hiestand; Sr. Victoria Bauer; Sr. Addisyn Schick; Jr. Parker Hiestand; Jr. Arianna South; Jr. Kyli Penrod; Jr. Sara Gregory; Jr. Mckayla Alspac; Jr. Lyndsey Waters; So. Hannah Reid; So. Gracie Minner; So. Brittaney Dillon; So. Haylie Williamson; So. Allie Redmond

• Key losses: None

• Season outlook: This will be a transitional year for the Bruins as the team tries to change the culture of volleyball in Blackford County.

• Coach’s comment: “My coaching staff is still getting to know the players. I can tell you that they are passionate about the game, eager to learn and leave their hearts on the court. Paving the road on our new journey are seniors Peyton Hiestand, Victoria Bauer and Addisyn Schick. These girls bought into what we are trying to accomplish for our program going forward. Without them on board it is not possible. We will have to commit to a “shared sacrifice” attitude.”

Blue River Valley Vikings

• Coach: ZoeAnn Chernowsky (eighth season)

• Last season: 14-20

• Returning starters: S Brenna Koontz (359 assists, 225 digs, 174 kills); MH Kyleigh Alcorn (243 kills); OPP Haley Morgan (102 digs); DS Mallery Sharp (165 digs)

• Key losses: L Alyssa Sells (237 digs, 81 aces); DS Sara Barnes (253 digs); OH Hope Crabtree (121 kills, 223 digs)

• Season outlook: The Vikings have high expectations for the 2015 season. Coach ZoeAnn Chernowsky said she’ll be counting on her seniors and hoping to build a team that is both strong defensively and balanced.

• Coach’s comment: “This has been a great group to coach, team chemistry is outstanding and I am looking forward to getting our season rolling.”

Burris Owls

• Coach: Mike Dodrill (first season at Burris, 47-19 career)

• Last season: 18-17

• Returning starters: OH Anna Bilello (153 kills, 187 digs); OH Abby Ludwick (150 kills, 87 digs)

• Key losses: L Isabel Gothard (428 digs); MB Taylor Harman (191 kills, 64 blocks); OPP Alyssa Peters (240 kills); S Emily Brinkman (565 assists); S Marissa Dudley (117 assists); MB Taylor Kring (53 kills)

• Season outlook: The team is quite young in key positions with several move-ins and players returning who did not play last year. Chemistry and experience will be key early on.

• Coach’s comment: “I am very pleased with the effort and focus of the team and where they can go. They have come aboard with such vigor and have been full steam ahead in getting better. Again, we are very young after losing such talent in key positions. The girls are adjusting well to different roles and volleyball schemes the coaching staff is implementing. It will be a great season for growth as they continue to build confidence and better their skills.”

Central Bearcats

• Coach: Wes Lyon (13th season, 372-75)

• Last season: 26-9

• Returning starters: Sr. MH Micah Leavell (358 kills, 47.5 blocks); Jr. MH E’laisah Young (319 kills, 45 blocks); So. RS Virginia Wilhoite (183 kills); Jr. S Lacee Adams (1,124 assists, 57 aces); Sr. DS Nikki Marshall (335 digs, 46 aces); Jr. DS Kinkaid Padgett (151 digs, 40 aces)

• Key losses: OH Allyson Young (146 kills, 191 digs); DS Savannah Jackson (146 digs)

• Season outlook: With a lot of returning players, the Bearcats are excited about returning to Class 4A due to increased enrollment numbers.

• Coach’s comment: “The team worked hard in the offseason and the personality and competitive spirit of our team has improved. I am excited to return to (Class 4A) and see how we stack up.”

Cowan Blackhawks

• Coach: Whitney Stewart (first season)

• Last season: 20-12

• Returning starters: Sr. MH Diana Campbell; Jr. S Gabriella Harrington; Sr. L KaLynn Sours; Sr. DS Abigail Huff; Jr. OH Mackenzie Howell

• Key loss: L Valorie Flick, OH Caitlyn Kimbrough, MH Mahalia Flick

• Season outlook: First-year coach Whitney Stewart is intent on being competitive despite being in a hotbed county for the sport, and hopes to make a strong postseason run.

• Coach’s comment: “This is a team that is fairly young and is getting better every day. They just need experience. They listen well and try what I ask of them. These girls are hard workers and want to learn and I enjoy teaching the game.”

Daleville Broncos

• Coach: Beth Etchison (second season, 12-15)

• Last season: 12-15

• Returning starters: S Zannah Weber (487 assists, 83 Aces); MH Lindsay Ingenito (259 kills, 101 aces); OH Breanna Townsend (173 Kills); MH Jenny Shellabarger (120 Kills)

• Key losses: L Hannah McKinney (298 digs); MH Hannah Huff (79 total blocks); DS Erin Allen, DS Lauren Irelan

• Season outlook: Four returning starters will anchor the Broncos. Ingenito led the team in hitting efficiency, kills and aces last season. Weber, Townsend and Shellabarger are also back.

• Coach’s comment: “We have some big holes defensively left by the departure of last year’s seniors, but I am confident that the work we put in during the offseason has prepared us for this year. Our schedule is difficult, but we believe that iron sharpens iron, and playing the outstanding teams we play will help us get better each game. Our goal is to focus on our defense and utilize our offensive weapons to be competitive this year.”

Delta Eagles

• Coach: Heidi Zickgraf (eighth season, 167-68)

• Last season: 27-6

• Key returners: Sr. RS Kaylee Nichols (304 kills, 218 digs); Sr. OH Audrey Woodin (426 kills, 19 blocks, 57 digs); Jr. L Gabby Zgunda (348 digs, 39 aces); Jr. S Kelsee Roe (70 aces, 800 assists); Jr. MB Rebecka Vannatta (96 kills); Jr. MB Camryn Campbell (212 kills)

• Key losses: L Teaghan Dishman (645 digs, First-team All State); OH Allyson Buckner (164 kills); DS Ericka Pursley (186 digs); DS McKenzie Sulfridge (214 digs)

• Season outlook: The Eagles have several varsity returners this season so they’ll have some experience on the floor. Leadership hasn’t been an issue as the seniors have taken off with their new leadership roles.

• Coach’s comment: “I am extremely excited to get this season going as we have some very eager players wanting to accomplish very lofty goals. They have been putting quality time in the gym and want to work together to achieve their season goals.”

Jay County Patriots

• Coach: Fred Medler (21st season)

• Last season: 23-8

• Key returners: Sr. MH Kylie Osborne; Sr. MH Ava Kunkler; Sr. OH Abby Wendell; Sr. OPP Emilie Walter; Jr. OH Abby Barcus; Jr. S Lizzy Schoenlein

• Key losses: MH Bri McIntire; DS Michelle Wellman; OPP Emily Westgerdes

• Season outlook: The Patriots have beefed their schedule up and are looking to improve upon their 23 wins from last season. A young core has more experience and is looking to take the next step.

• Coach’s comment: “We’re bigger and stronger than we were last year. Barcus will be a force to be reckoned with. Everyone is bigger and stronger, hitting the ball well. We had some big wins last year so we’ll have some teams waiting for us this year. Central is in our sectional, as is Concordia. We’re looking forward to it.”

Monroe Central Golden Bears

• Coach: Kyle Garrett (second season, 19-13)

• Last season: 19-13

• Key returners: Zoee Kear; Katarina DiBiasio; Morgan Haney

• Key losses: L Lexi Hosier

• Season outlook: The Golden Bears returned several key players from last year and added three freshmen to the varsity squad that will all see significant playing time.

• Coach’s comment: “I feel as though this season can be very special. The girls are hungry to make a name and continue to jumpstart a program at Monroe Central.”

New Castle Trojans

• Coach: Matt Curts (first season)

• Last season: 19-15

• Key returners: Jr. MH/OH Avarie Powell; Jr. L Karleigh Wilson; Jr. S Peighton Barber; Jr. OH/MH Morgan Burns; Jr. DS Madison Cunningham; So. OH Cecily Jester; So. MH Maggie Benninger; So. DS/S Jacie Koontz; Fr. OH Graci Bowers

• Key losses: Kiley Lingenfelter; Payton Anderson; Brianna Heffernan; Jennifer Barr; Makenzie Koger

• Season outlook: The Trojans will be relatively young with no seniors. First-year coach Matt Curts is very excited about this group of young athletes — very athletic, intelligent players with a lot of club experience. He said he is focusing their efforts on defense and ball control while serving aggressively, yet wisely. The Trojans will be running a quick middle offense trying to win the next point off transition, and Curts notes they play a very challenging schedule.

• Coach’s comment: “The goal is that each time we step foot on the court — practice or game — we get better. Looking very forward to a season of growth and maturity, and creating a gym culture of passion and competitiveness. Our theme this year is “Back to Work — One Team, One Dream.”

Union Rockets

• Coach: Trevor Steed (first season)

• Last season: 21-12

• Returning starters: OH DeAnn Kauffman (423 kills); OH Mallory Green (158 kills); MH Faithlan Ellis (141 kills); MH/RS Rylee Davis (29 kills); L MacKyndsea Burke (429 digs)

• Key losses: S Beth Jenkins (728 assists); MH Lexus Shore (89 kills, 64 aces)

• Season outlook: Coach Trevor Steed expects his squad to be competitive throughout the season, even with a small team of only nine players. There will be five starters coming back, including the libero. The Rockets did not lose any players due to graduation last year, so this season is all about being able to play the game with their new roles.

• Coach’s comment: “There will a change in team dynamics as players will have to step up into new roles and new positions. I’m excited to see where this season can take us and to be a part of this program for another year.”

Wapahani Raiders

• Coach: Jared Richardson (third season, 47-12)

• Last season: 21-9

• Returning starters: L Hannah Smith (428 digs, 39 aces); OH Skyler Van Note (224 kills, 49 blocks); MH Chase Curry (42 kills, 66 blocks); Annie Schuck (45 kills, 24 blocks)

• Key losses: OH Addie Reynolds (109 aces, 399 kills); OH Katie Foster (107 kills, 255 digs)

• Season outlook: The Raiders are hopeful senior leadership can help them reach their potential.

• Coach’s comment: “We have put a lot of hard work into our preseason, and (we) are anxious to get started on the road for a 2A state title.”

Wes-Del Warriors

• Coach: Biff Wilson (seventh season, 167-53)

• Last season: 35-3, Class A State Champion

• Returning starters: Sr. OH Emily Hale (43 kills); Sr. MH Perrie Smalley (174 kills, 47 blocks); Sr. S Haylie Spencer (95 assists); Sr. OH Alysa Sutton (455 kills, 324 digs, 103 aces); Jr. DS Morgan Prather (249 digs, 70 aces)

• Key losses: MH Mariah Berry (209 kills, 53 blocks); OH Megan Clark (214 kills, 47 aces); L Chloe Kinsey (530 digs, 50 aces); DS Kristen Lansing (271 digs, 54 aces); S Kennedy Petro (990 assists, 74 aces); OH Mackenzie Whitehead (91 kills, 38 blocks)

• Season outlook: The Warriors graduated a wealth of talent, but expectations remain high.

• Coach’s comment: “Our goal is to show consistent improvement throughout the season and challenge for a sectional championship in October.”

Winchester Lady Falcons

• Coach: Julie Smiley (sixth season)

• Last season: 4-25

• Returning starters: L Emily White (324 digs); OH/MH Leah Malkey (85 kills, 25 aces)

• Key losses: None

• Season outlook: The Golden Falcons lost one senior but gained nine freshmen. They are young but have an experienced base. Coach Julie Smiley said regaining confidence after last year’s 4-25 record will be critical, noting the Falcons had a much better record in 2013.

• Coach’s comment: “We have the ability and talent to get back to our winning program form if the girls will consistently believe in themselves. Our team chemistry is excellent, our freshman are already contributing a great deal, and our returners are a year stronger and smarter. I have a very positive outlook and know that we will surprise some people with our comeback this year.”

Yorktown Tigers

• Coach: Stephanie Bloom (eighth season, 221-33)

• Last season: 30-7

• Returning starters: S Mimi Arrington (1,102 assists); L/DS Jade York (199 digs), L/DS Kate Avila (409 digs); OH Rhyen Neal (168 kills); M Olivia Reed (156 kills); OH Kendall Murr (237 kills)

• Key Losses: RS Karli Acree (368 kills); M Carson Malapit (327 kills)

• Season outlook: Coach Stephanie Bloom expects her team to be mix of experienced players taking on leadership roles and younger players jumping into new roles on the squad.

• Coach’s comment: “We have a solid group of girls who are competitive, hard workers and gritty. While this group might be undersized compared to some of our opponents, they understand how important it’s going to be to try and frustrate opponents by fighting to keep the ball alive at all costs.”

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Wes-Del celebrates its state championship victory against Christian Academy at Worthen Arena Saturday. Wes-Del defeated Christian Academy 3-0.

There was no talk of it in the week leading up to the big match. All that was on the mind of Wes-Del volleyball coach Biff Wilson was taking down Christian Academy in the state championship and hanging another banner in the gym.

But make no mistake, he was well aware of the consequences of the Class A state final.

Because of the Tournament Success Factor rule – which allows the IHSAA to reclassify teams based on how well they do in the postseason (teams were first moved up in advance of the 2013-14 school year) – the Warriors would move up to Class 2A with a win, but stay in Class A with a loss.

After the Warriors won in three sets and the celebration had died down, the realization of the program’s second state title in four years had settled in. There was chatter among Wilson and the parents: “Well, I guess we’re moving up to 2A now.”

Now, Wilson says, “That’s the price you pay for putting a ring on your finger.” But the question many are pondering in the volleyball hotbed of East Central Indiana is this: Is the rule fair, specifically to public schools?

“The underclassmen are getting punished for something they weren’t necessarily a part of,” Delta coach Heidi Zickgraf said. “I think it’s more for the private schools that can recruit and get those kids in there, but public schools can’t do that – or they’re not supposed to do that.”

As Zickgraf says, the freshmen and sophomores are the ones who deal with the reclassification once a strong junior or senior class has graduated. And therein lies the fundamental problem many teams are having with the rule.

***

Yorktown’s Mimi Arrington sets the ball in a 2014 match against Central. Yorktown will be back in Class 3A this season.

Under the TSF, a team is subject to reclassification every two seasons if it has enough points. Winning a sectional is worth one point, a regional two, semi-state three and a state title four. If a team accrues six points or greater during the previous reclassification period, it will move up to the next available enrollment class for the next reclassification period. It then needs either four or five points to stay at that elevated classification, and six will take the team up yet another class.

The first time volleyball teams were moved up because of the rule, two of the three teams which bumped up were ECI schools: Yorktown and Wapahani.

Yorktown was coming off a state runner-up finish in 3A in 2012 and had to move up to 4A. This past season the Tigers went 30-7 and won a sectional, but they were plain overmatched at regionals in getting swept by eventual state runner-up Cathedral. Bloom remembers her players looking over at her wondering, “What do we do?” Except, as Bloom thought, there was nothing they could do – those Cathedral girls were just hitting over every block.

“I think we did our best in 4A, and I think it’s a little bit unfortunate for the kids,” Bloom said. “We had two years of back-to-back good classes, and the kids behind them are the ones that basically got punished.

“I think they’re excited to be back in 3A because they’re in our element. And that’s our class.”

When Jared Richardson took the reigns at Wapahani in 2013, the Raiders were coming off two state championships under Mike Lingenfelter. The biggest thing, he says, is looking at who is left after the state championships.

Playing in a sectional with the likes of Delta and Central, Wapahani didn’t even make a regional the last two seasons. In last year’s sectional final, Wapahani – listed in this year’s classification with an enrollment of 391 – lost to Central, which has 1,698. To be fair, that was an extenuating circumstance with Central getting a sizable bump in enrollment after the consolidation with Southside (that enrollment was not yet reflected in IHSAA classifications), but those situations could become more prevalent with this sort of system.

“When we got beat last year,” Richardson recalls, “everyone was like, ‘I just watched a 2A school get beat by a 4A school in a 3A sectional final.'”

Some coaches feel as though they are being punished for having one or two good classes, and the next class could be lesser-skilled facing better competition.

In Whitney Stewart’s sophomore and junior seasons at Delta, the Eagles finished state runner-up in 3A. Had the TSF rule been in place then, the Eagles would’ve bumped up to 4A the following season. Since it wasn’t, they stayed in 3A for Stewart’s senior season, and Delta wound up losing to Yorktown in sectionals.

So what would moving up to 4A have done if Delta couldn’t even win in 3A, Stewart wonders, as she prepares for her first head coaching job at Cowan.

“We work hard to make our program good, so we shouldn’t get penalized when we have two good seasons,” Stewart says. “Your classes come so erratically. You might have two or three good teams, but now you’re rebuilding and you’re doing it in 4A. It’s just not right.”

Wapahani celebrates a point in a 2014 match against Wes-Del. The two squads will be sectional rivals in Class 2A this season.

***

When the IHSAA came up with the TSF, it was targeting schools that have dominated a particular class since Indiana went to the four-class system beginning in the fall of 1997. IHSAA assistant commissioner Phil Gardner, who was the principal at Wes-Del for 14 years and at Cowan for seven, says that there wasn’t one particular school or one particular sport that the committee zeroed in on.

One example would be Burris’ domination in volleyball since the class system was put in place – 14 straight state titles in Class 2A from 1997-2010.

“There’s no perfect solution to it, but you address the domination by some schools in classes and you try to make it more even,” Gardner says. “It isn’t going to be perfect, but we want to see how it plays out. We’ll know more in 10 years. It seems to be addressing the concerns we had and what we were trying to do.”

Some are under the impression that it was implemented just for private schools.

“It was a rule targeted at private schools in football, and it got blown up by one or two people to include every (sport),” Wilson says. “From what I was told, even football coaches agreed that it should be just a football rule. But someone thought it should be for all sports.”

***

Because of the rule, the landscape will change every two seasons. Rivalries will change, like Yorktown not being in Delta’s sectional the last two seasons or Wes-Del not being with Daleville and Cowan the next two seasons. Providence has won state in 2A the last two seasons, but now it will move up to 3A.

The three schools that moved up in the initial reclassification – Yorktown, Wapahani and Bishop Chatard – are all moving back to their original class after not earning enough points to stay. Fort Wayne Concordia (4A), Brebeuf (4A), Providence (3A), Wes-Del (2A) and Barr-Reeve (2A) are the five schools moving up this season.

Where team will be every two years is hard to track. During a recent preseason practice at Wapahani, Richardson was raving about the Raiders’ sophomore class and how fun it will be to coach them as seniors.

“I’m looking forward to two years from now in 2A,” Richardson said.

Well actually, coach, that’s assuming you don’t get bumped up to 3A again.

“Oh yeah, that’s true,” he said upon being reminded of the rule. “Then we’ll see.”

That will be decided over the next two seasons.

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Wapahani’s Skyler Van Note goes for a dig in a 2014 match against Delta. Wapahani is ranked No. 1 in Class 2A in the preseason state coaches poll.

Yorktown and Wapahani are back in classes 3A and 2A for volleyball this season, and the voters in the state coaches poll are confident in the Tigers’ and Raiders’ chances to compete in those classifications.

Yorktown is the No. 1 team in Class 3A in the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association preseason poll, while Wapahani is ranked at the top of Class 2A. Yorktown spent the last two years in Class 4A due to the IHSAA’s Tournament Success Factor, while Wapahani was in Class 3A for the same reason. Neither team accrued enough points to remain in its elevated class, so both returned to their natural enrollment classes this season.

Wapahani, which is ranked fourth in Class 2A in the preseason media poll, is scheduled to open its season Thursday at Daleville. Yorktown, which is tied for the No. 1 ranking in the media poll, opens Tuesday at Westfield.

Delta is ranked No. 4 in Class 3A in the coaches poll, one of two Delaware County teams ranked fourth in its class. Wes-Del, newly-promoted to Class 2A via the Tournament Success Factor, is ranked No. 4 in its new class.

Cowan is ranked No. 5 in Class A, where Daleville is also receiving votes. Burris and Monroe Central are each receiving votes in Class 2A, and Central is receiving votes in Class 4A.

Diana Campbell

VOLLEYBALL

Class A No. 5 Cowan opened its season with a 25-20, 25-12, 25-12 win against Winchester. Kalynn Sours had 12 digs to lead the Blackhawks’ back-row efforts, while teammate Diana Campbell had nine digs. Morgan Friend had 18 digs for Winchester.

GIRLS GOLF

Jay County fell to Anderson 204-213. Brooke Sanders led the Patriots, shooting 51.

Katarina DiBiasio

BOYS SOCCER

Yorktown tied Hamilton Heights 3-3 thanks to a goal from the Tigers’ Karter Bibbs in the last seven minutes of the game. Michael Mitsch and Brevin Smith scored the other two goals for Yorktown.

Burris opened its season with a 5-0 victory over Liberty Christian. Alex Lang contributed two goals in the Owls’ shutout win, and Burris goalkeeper Ricky Tellez had two saves.

Central defeated Jay County 2-0. Chase Clasby and Clark Bailey each scored a goal for the Bearcats. Central’s goalkeeper Tyler Wood had eight saves.

Delta fell to Eastbrook 4-1, with Ike Griffis scoring the Eagles’ goal.

GIRLS SOCCER

Jay County fell to Richmond 5-3. Gabbie Mann scored two goals for the Patriots.

Yorktown opened its season with a 3-0 win against Blackford. Hannah Rapp scored two goals and logged an assist while teammate Sarah Bade scored the other goal. Tyrah Bell had a shutout in goal for the Tigers. Goalkeeper Catelynn Bennett had 17 saves for the Bruins.

GIRLS GOLF

Wes-Del lost a close match to Alexandria, 237-240. Despite the loss, the Warriors’ Robin Whitesel was the match’s overall winner, shooting a 52.

Jay County defeated Union 221-272. Brooke Sanders shot 50 to lead the Patriots.

BOYS TENNIS

Blue River fell to Connersville 3-2 in its first match of the season. Bailey Crisp and Samuel Hollingsworth pulled out a win for the Vikings at No. 1 doubles, 6-1, 6-3.

VOLLEYBALL

Yorktown opened its season with a 25-17, 25-19, 26-24 win against Westfield. Jade York paced the Tigers’ back-row efforts with 26 digs, while setter Mimi Arrington had 13 digs. Kenzie Knuckles had a double-double with 11 kills and 12 digs.

Monroe Central defeated Union City 3-0 in its first match of the season. Katarina DiBiasio put up 19 kills for the Golden Bears.

New Castle swept Blue River to pick up its first win of the season. Karleigh Wilson picked up 16 digs in the Trojans’ victory.

Emily Hale

DALEVILLE – Many of the Wes-Del Warriors found themselves in unfamiliar territory Tuesday night at Daleville, and that’s not surprising given the volleyball team lost six seniors from a state championship squad. For some of the third-ranked Warriors, it was their first time being a rotation player in a varsity match.

One of those players, though — Wes-Del senior Emily Hale — felt right at home. As she peered into Daleville’s student section in warmups, she saw a familiar face: her brother, Ryan, a sophomore at Daleville. In pregame introductions, Hale caught Ryan cheering for her.

And after the visiting Warriors finished off a season-opening sweep of the Broncos 25-20, 25-19, 25-22 in Mid-Eastern Conference play, little brother gave a well-deserved congratulations to his big sister. Hale (five kills) and several seniors filled in nicely around star classmate Alysa Sutton as the Warriors were able to ditch the nerves quickly.

“I knew almost everyone in the gym, so it’s kind of fun,” said Hale, who is from Daleville but transferred to Wes-Del in eighth grade. “It was also cool that my first game (starting) was here.”

Out of Wes-Del’s nine-player rotation from last season, only three are back. That means a patient senior class got its first chance in the spotlight.

Daleville (0-1) got the first five points of the match, but Wes-Del (1-0) settled in nicely behind Sutton (10 kills, 11 digs), Perrie Smalley (six kills) and Morgan Prather (13 digs).

“I know that we were all pretty nervous going in being the first game of the season and losing a lot of seniors last year, but overall we did a lot better than we expected to,” said senior setter Haylie Spencer, who dished out 22 assists. “I think we really brought it together, especially after the first set when the nerves went away. I think we really focused in and started playing a tougher game that’s more our pace.”

For Wes-Del coach Biff Wilson, it was the perfect amount of adversity for a group eager for experience — not too much to overwhelm them, but enough for a good challenge.

“I hope people don’t think it’s just coach-talk when I say the first one is always a battle, but it is because Daleville always brings a nice team,” Wilson said. “Both teams, you saw that first game, it was like two armies firing missiles at each other.”

Lindsay Ingenito and Emily Kardatzke each had five kills to lead the Broncos, who don’t plan on backing down despite a difficult early-season slate.

“We’re not just going to look at the rankings and say, ‘Welcome to our gym, you win because you have a higher ranking,'” Daleville coach Beth Etchison said. “We have to go into every match believing we have a chance to win, and I felt like we did that tonight.”

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Reece Malapit

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Burris finished third with 56 points in a quad meet. Union County won with 30 points, followed by Connersville (45) and Franklin County (87). Aaron Lannoy led the Owls, finishing sixth with a time of 19 minutes, 27.1 seconds.

BOYS SOCCER

Blackford fell to Bellmont 8-1 Tuesday. Brodie Barnes scored the Bruins’ goal on a penalty kick.

BOYS TENNIS

Yorktown opened its season with a 3-2 victory against perennial power Marion. The victory was secured by the No. 1 doubles pairing of Mitchell Minniear and Abe Rosenthall, who pulled out a 7-5, 6-7, 7-5 win.

Blackford suffered a 5-0 loss Tuesday against Bluffton. The Bruins’ No. 1 doubles team of Zach Tarr and Kerigan Reynard took five games against their opponent.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Burris competed as an incomplete team at a quad meet at Union County, which also featured Franklin County and Connersville. Brittany Kent finished second for the Owls with a time of 22:21.

GIRLS GOLF

Yorktown defeated Central 179-195 at Crestview. The Tigers’ Reece Malapit was the match’s overall medalist with a round of 40. Olivia Phillips and Laura Buckles were the Bearcats’ leaders, each shooting a 46.

GIRLS SOCCER

Yorktown pulled away to an 8-0 win against Anderson. Lizzie Smith scored three goals and logged an assist for the Tigers, and teammate Sarah Bade added two goals. Alexis Detrich had a goal and an assist.

VOLLEYBALL

Wes-Del came out victorious in a Mid-Eastern Conference contest against Blue River. Alysa Sutton had 11 kills and 12 digs, while Haylie Spencer handed out 24 assists to go along with eight digs.

Sam Wilson

There was just one hurdle left to clear. I was in the process of accepting this position as prep sports reporter at The Star Press when then-sports editor Greg Fallon expressed a valid concern. I had never set foot in Muncie, so he was concerned about me moving to a place I had never seen, except in Internet photos.

My research had given me a keen sense that this job was the right step for me in my professional development. And I knew it was exponentially closer to my family and friends in Cincinnati than where I was working in Kansas. I decided that would be enough.

Those two things would have been enough, but Muncie has done a lot better than providing me with just enough. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my nearly four years at The Star Press, but it’s time for me to take another leap. I’ve accepted a job outside of the journalism industry in Cincinnati. Friday will be my last day at The Star Press.

So much has happened in my four years here, and it’s been an honor to cover it. My first day of work was a Thursday in November 2011, and by that very Saturday I was assisting in coverage of the state volleyball finals at Worthen Arena. I can think of few better introductions to sports in this area than seeing three Delaware County volleyball teams win state titles on the same day.

Seeing Wes-Del win the state championship again in 2014, when the freshmen from my first weekend were seniors, was a reminder of just how quickly time had passed during my tenure here.

Volleyball is certainly an integral part of the sports landscape here, and I enjoyed reporting on it, especially in the 2014 season when I was able to cover the sport with full vigor. It was a joy to cover so many talented teams at schools with such long histories of making deep runs. Seeing a Delaware County high school volleyball team win a state championship is special, because it adds to such a rich tradition.

It’s a different kind of special when you see a team break new ground with its state championship, and that’s exactly what happened with the 2014 Wapahani baseball team. As I was writing my story the day the Raiders won the first state baseball championship in Delaware County history, I could sense the historical significance of that moment as I sat in the Victory Field press box. It was easy to see from looking at the crowd, a mix of die-hard Wapahani supporters and baseball fans from Delaware County eager to see their area break through.

My time here leaves me with fond memories of covering stories beyond just the games. Getting a chance to meet Trey Ball before he began his senior year at New Castle, then covering him getting drafted seventh overall by the Boston Red Sox, was an especially exciting story from start to finish.

There were profiles stories and features, some even completely out of the sports realm, from an early 12 Days of Christmas story about a food bank for pets to Sunday centerpiece features about a principal and a Ball State student who graduated on time despite significant personal injury.

The consolidation of Central and Southside, though, stands out as likely the biggest news of my time here. From attending some of the town halls, it was amazing to see the passion people have for the schools here in Muncie, and there was a sense this move would have major historical significance for the entire community.

I enjoyed getting the chance to cover this from so many different angles, and the special section we put together commemorating Southside’s storied athletic history is one of my proudest professional achievements of my five years in the working world.

For my money, there was no high school sports atmosphere quite like a Central-Southside basketball game in Muncie Fieldhouse. I’m confident I speak for all basketball fans in this area when I say that I miss that game, though I understand why big changes are sometimes necessary in life, even if they mean losing one amazing night each January. And to be fair, there was something extra special about the last one in 2014, so we got one especially amazing January night before it was all over.

Covering these exciting stories and taking on those challenges has re-enforced the viewpoint I took in 2011 that this move was the right choice for my professional development. And geography hasn’t changed, so I was still much closer to my family than I ever would have been in Kansas. But remember, Muncie has provided me a lot more than just enough.

From the start, it was clear that everyone I met here was intent on making me feel welcome, on making sure I could feel at home here. I can’t begin to calculate how many people would ask for my backstory for how I got to Muncie (someone even asked me that just last week). While that could seem like a simple act of just making conversation, I very much appreciated that people wanted to know a little bit about me and my background. When I’ve had opportunities to talk to reporters who were candidates for jobs at our paper, I could always tell them with confidence that everyone here is very friendly.

On a more personal note, I became a cancer survivor during my time here after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in October 2012. It’s not something I shared with a lot of people here, but everyone in Muncie who learned of this was incredibly supportive, and several people would make a point to ask for updates on my health, a gesture that was much appreciated. Thankfully, I’ve always had good news to tell them, as I had my last radiation treatment in March 2013 and have received great results in every follow-up scan I’ve had since.

While I’m incredibly thankful to those who were supportive of me during my health journey, I’m also grateful to a lot of other people for a lot of other things. First and foremost, I’m thankful to The Star Press for bringing me here and giving me this opportunity. I’m thankful to the coaches, players and administrators at the various schools in East Central Indiana for letting me tell their stories. And I’m thankful to everyone here that made me feel welcome, whether I met them in a professional or other setting.

When I started to realize I would likely be making a next move in my career, and that it would likely take me to a larger city in this part of the Midwest, my sister asked me an important question. She asked if I would miss Muncie, and I surprised myself with how swift my answer was. I told her no, but this was only partially true. Knowing that I wouldn’t be moving particularly far away, I had the confidence I could pay Muncie a visit if I missed something about the city that was so welcoming to me for almost four years.

See you soon.

Until Friday night, you can contact prep sports reporter Sam Wilson at (765) 213-5807. His Twitter account @SamWilsonTSP will remain active for his successor.

DeAnn Kauffman

BOYS SOCCER

Burris tied Richmond 1-1. Max Alvarado scored the Owls’ goal.

Delta defeated Blackford 2-1. Alec Lynn and Jared Hunt each had a goal for the Eagles.

Central defeated Wapahani 10-1. Bearcats goalkeeper Tyler Wood had three saves and didn’t allow a goal in 70 minutes of action. Devon McNabb and Chase Clasby each scored three goals for Central.

Yorktown fell to New Palestine 4-0. Tigers goalkeeper Peter McSarland had 11 saves.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Wapahani placed first in the Ethan Cheesman Invitational with 30 points, followed by Burris (45) and Monroe Central (63). The Raiders’ Alex Herbst won the meet with a time of 17, minutes, 32 seconds.

BOYS TENNIS

New Castle defeated Blue River 4-1. The Trojans’ No. 2 doubles team of Josiah Sledd and Dusty Vincent won 6-0, 6-0. Blue River’s No. 1 doubles team of Samuel Hollingsworth and Bailey Crisp snagged the Vikings’ lone win 6-1, 6-3.

Central edged past South Adams 3-2. Khamasi Muhiga picked up the win at No. 1 singles for the Bearcats 6-2, 6-2. Central’s Boyd McCoy and Kaes Petroviak only allowed two games in their victory at No. 2 doubles.

Winchester swept Tri in a home contest. The Golden Falcons’ Hagan Lawson took the win at No. 3 singles, defeating his opponent 6-0, 6-0.

Yorktown fell to New Palestine 3-2. The Tigers’ Ian Landwehr shut out his opponent at No. 1 singles, and Mitchell Minniear and Abe Rosenthall picked up a 6-3, 6-0 win at No. 1 doubles.

GIRLS GOLF

New Castle finished first with 197 points, and Blue River finished third with 228 points in a triangular meet against Tri. Blue River’s Kaitlyn Ooten tied for overall medalist, shooting a 46. Carrie Johnson and Olivia Porter led the Trojans, each shooting a 48.

Blackford had two girls participate in a triangular meet Wednesday against Mississinewa and Madison Grant. Nancy Cole shot a 62 for the Bruins and teammate Michaela Cook shot a 66.

GIRLS SOCCER

Central defeated Wapahani 11-0 on its home field. Jade Clasby led the Bearcats in goals with five and assists with three, while Sarah Smith contributed four goals.

Delta shut out Eastbrook 6-0. Baylee Allen led the Eagles with four goals, and teammate Kendall Pursley had three assists.

VOLLEYBALL

Wapahani defeated Daleville in three sets (25-22, 25-15, 25-18). Sky Van Note led the Raiders with eight kills and Estella Davis added six. The Broncos’ Lindsay Ingenito led her team in kills with 10 and blocks with two.

Delta swept Jay County 25-16, 25-11, 25-17. Audrey Woodin narrowly missed a double-double with nine kills and 11 digs. Gabby Zgunda had 10 digs.

Cowan defeated Tri in four sets (25-12, 25-11, 14-25, 25-15). Makenzie Howell led the Blackhawks in kills with 11, and Gabriella Harrington had 37 of the team’s 39 assists.

Monroe Central pulled out a 25-20, 20-25, 26-24, 16-25, 15-11 Mid-Eastern Conference victory against Burris. Katarina DiBiasio posted 21 kills and 18 digs in the win, while Morgan Haney added six kills and 15 digs.

Winchester defeated Randolph Southern in three sets (25-11, 25-17, 25-17). Emily White had 23 digs in the Golden Falcons’ victory.

Union defeated Blue River in five sets (21-25, 25-19, 25-18, 24-26, 15-12). DeAnn Kauffman had 20 kills, 10 assists and one block for the Rockets. Mallory Green contributed three kills and 18 assists for Union.

Winchester fell to Richmond Wednesday evening in three straight sets (25-17, 25-20, 25-15). The Golden Falcons’ Shelby Miller had three kills.

Yorktown’s Kenzie Knuckles hits against Central during their game at the Muncie Fieldhouse Thursday.

MUNCIE – In Yorktown’s season opener against Westfield, the Tigers didn’t face an attack that would target the area they were most vulnerable: the middle.

That’s why Thursday was an interesting test for the top team in Class 3A, because as Yorktown coach Stephanie Bloom warned her team, if Central was in system that’s where it would go.

And the Bearcats did feed big hitters E’laisah Young and Micah Leavell, but the Tigers’ undersized and inexperienced middle of Kendall Murr and Olivia Reed more than held their own as Yorktown rolled to a 25-20, 30-28, 25-20 sweep at Muncie Fieldhouse.

“We definitely focused a lot in practice on defending middles,” said Reed, who had seven kills. “… Putting up our blocks, our defense really played well around us.”

Add in the powerful swing of Yorktown freshman Kenzie Knuckles, who had a game-high 16 kills, and the Tigers were able to ace an early-season test.

Even more pleasing to Bloom was the way the Tigers (2-0) adjusted against Young (11 kills) and Leavell (nine kills) as the match wore on, particularly considering Murr is sliding over to the middle this season for the first time.

“There was a big difference between halfway through game one and the end of the match in what we were able to defend, whether that be back row or front row,” Bloom said. “Reed and Murr both did a great job slowing those middles down.”

In some ways, Central coach Wes Lyon said, the match went as expected as the Tigers’ ball control was the difference.

But the entire match could’ve taken a turn had the Bearcats (0-1) been able to pull out the second set as two late service errors doomed Central — including one on set point. Tied at 28, Knuckles flicked a short ball for a kill, then hit the Bearcats with a powerful strike to close the set.

“You have to realize that now we have to find new leaders, new people who can terminate the ball when it counts,” Lyon said, adding that his players have to grow accustomed to some new roles. “(Yorktown) had a freshman terminating the ball like she was a senior.”

This match could serve as a blueprint for the Tigers in terms of how to maneuver around taller teams.

“We kind of just outsmarted them,” Knuckles said. “It wasn’t all about power. I think to them, it was about power; to us, it was about being smart.”

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Zannah Weber

VOLLEYBALL

Daleville took the last two sets to earn the close victory against Mid-Eastern Conference rival Cowan (25-22, 11-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-6). Lindsay Ingenito led the Broncos in kills with 17 and blocks with two, and teammate Zannah Weber had 42 assists. Gabriella Harrington put up 34 assists for the Blackhawks, while teammate Skylar Trimble had 11 kills.

Blackford fell to Frankton in four sets Thursday (26-24, 15-25, 14-25, 19-25). Peyton Hiestand had 20 assists and six aces for the Bruins, and teammate Haylie Williamson put up 18 serving points.

BOYS SOCCER

Jay County fell to Heritage 1-0 Thursday. Patriots goalkeeper Trevor Moeller recorded four saves.

BOYS TENNIS

Blue River fell to Cambridge City Lincoln 5-0. The Vikings’ Donnie Lamberson won seven games off of his opponent at No. 1 singles.

GIRLS SOCCER

Jay County defeated Heritage 7-1 Thursday in an Allen County Athletic Conference matchup. Lucy Laux had 4 goals in the Patriots’ victory.

Bailee Allen

VOLLEYBALL

Union placed third at its own invitational, defeating Arlington and Tri-Central while losing to eventual champion Alexandria. DeAnn Kauffman had 27 kills over the three matches, adding 10 aces and 13 digs.

Winchester fell 25-11, 18-25, 25-21, 25-8 to Alexandria. Leah Malkey led the Falcons with six kills, while Morgan Friend had 28 digs. The Falcons topped Randolph Southern 25-15, 25-11 earlier in the day.

Blackford went 0-4 at the Tomahawk Invitational at North Miami. Peyton Hiestand had 24 digs and 10 kills for the Bruins, while Tori Baker added 18 digs and 7 blocks.

Heritage Hall lost to the Anderson Angels 25-18, 16-25, 25-17, 22-25, 18-16 on Friday. Kelsey Zirkle had seven kills and four aces.

BOYS SOCCER

Blackford fell 5-0 to South Adams, with Charlie Cranston making 34 saves in the loss.

Delta fell 4-0 to Bellmont.

GIRLS SOCCER

Yorktown remained unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against Hamilton Heights. Jaylynn Chavez had the lone tally for the Tigers (2-0-1).

Delta knocked off Mississinewa 7-4 to stay undefeated on the young season. Bailee Allen led the Eagles (2-0) with four goals, while Jessica McNeil made nine saves in net.

Blackford lost 4-1 to South Adams, with Allie Jennerjahn providing the lone Bruins’ (0-2) tally.

Jay County topped Burris 8-0. Taylor Hunt had 16 saves in the loss.

BOYS TENNIS

Delta finished third at the Jeffersonville Invitational with 23 points, 14 behind Guerin Catholic. Alec Robillard was runner-up in No. 1 singles and lost in three sets to the winner of that flight.

Central split a pair of matches at Logansport, losing 3-2 to the host Berries and sweeping Arsenal Tech. All three losses to Logansport came in three sets. No. 1 singles player Khamasi Muhiga and No. 2 doubles pair Kaes Petroviak and Boyd McCoy went 2-0 on the day.

Jay County finished eighth in a tournament at DeKalb. Jay Houck placed fourth at No. 2 singles, and Garrett Rodgers placed fifth No. 3 singles for Jay County.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Burris came in sixth and Daleville seventh at the Meister Family Memorial Run at Monroe Central. David Dillon led the Broncos by coming in fourth, while the host Golden Bears’ top finisher was Conner Miller (18 minutes, 14.8 secibds) in at 20th. The Owls were led by Aaron Lannoy (17:59.4, 16th place).

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Blackford was the top local team at the Meister Family Memorial Run in Parker City, finishing 10th. Burris’ Brittany Kent (21:33.6) was the top local finisher, with the Bruins’ Falynne Reed in 14th-place (21:50).

GIRLS GOLF

Yorktown continued its strong start to the season by winning the 12-team Blackford Invitational at Club Run Golf Course with a score of 351 to beat out Perry Meridian. Reece Malapit shot a 77 to earn medalist honors for the fifth time in five outings this season, while Maddy Kline shot 84 and Holly Haynes 86. The Tigers are 3-0 in dual meets and have won both invitationals this season. Nancy Cole led the host Bruins with a 134.

FOOTBALL

Monroe Central opened its season Friday with a 46-10 win against Centerville. Sophomore Tyler Writtenhouse led the Golden Bears with 119 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while defensive end Terry Kuhns had 1¹/₂ sacks. Monroe Central yielded just 136 yards.

New Castle lost its season opener 21-20 Friday to Franklin County, a safety with eight minutes left providing the final margin. Quarterback Hank Neal threw for 143 yards and three scores.

Gabby Zgunda

MUNCIE – When Heidi Zickgraf took her second timeout of the first set Saturday night, the Delta Eagles knew they were playing poorly. The scoreboard, which read 17-13 in favor of visiting New Castle at the time, told them that.

But the coach wanted her team to really grasp just how many points it was giving away to the visiting Trojans. So she laid out the facts: 10 unforced errors — seven hitting and three serving.

For Delta, that message was heard loud and clear as the Eagles lost the next point but rebounded to take the final 12 points of the first set and then cruise to a 25-18, 25-21, 25-12 sweep in Hoosier Heritage Conference play.

Pulling out statistics in the middle of a match seemed to stick with the Eagles as middle hitter Camryn Campbell cited the number of errors after the victory when discussing the pivotal timeout.

“(Coach Zickgraf) just told us that it was time to go,” Campbell said. “Because it was only our second (match) of the season, she understood that we would start a little bit slower. … But 10 of their 17 points were on our errors.”

The match completely changed after that timeout as the Trojans (1-2, 0-1 HHC) had begun the match feeding 6-foot-2 middle hitter Avarie Powell (11 kills), but once the Eagles (2-0, 1-0) got the momentum, they never gave it back.

“We had 30 or 40 errors,” New Castle coach Matt Curts said, “and when you give a team 30 or 40 errors, that’s half the battle.”

Especially a team with the weapons that Delta has.

Setter Kelsee Roe (24 assists) spread around the Eagles’ attack to Chloe Stitt (nine kills), Audrey Woodin (eight kills) and Campbell (six kills).

Kaylee Nichols had four aces and was on the service line during the 12-0 run in the first set. During that stretch — and even the rest of the night — it seemed the Eagles could do no wrong, and obviously energy isn’t a problem during spurts like those. But for the Eagles, it’s about sustaining that.

“For us this year, I think energy is the key factor,” said libero Gabby Zgunda, a Mississippi State commit who had 16 digs. “Because we can pass, we can hit, we can do everything — but if we’re down, (it’s not good).”

On a larger scale, Zickgraf noticed something that she hopes becomes a trend.

“We were very good at making changes after game one — or in the middle of game one — and that’s not been the case in recent years,” Zickgraf said. “So I felt like they were pretty focused in making those changes and did a nice job.”

Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.

Lindsay Ingenito

VOLLEYBALL

Delta continued its perfect start to the season with a 25-18, 25-13, 25-19 win over host Richmond. Chloe Stitt had 15 kills and eight digs, while Audrey Woodin had 12 kills and nine digs.

Burris picked up its first victory of the season as it topped Liberty Christian 25-18, 25-8, 16-25, 25-23. Taylor Jackson and Alissa Kunczt had 10 aces apiece, while My Kel Ivy had 11 kills.

Lindsay Ingenito had 14 kills and 16 digs to help Daleville knock off Lapel 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 26-24. Breanna Townsend added eight kills and 16 digs.

Shenandoah swept visiting Cowan 25-19, 25-22, 25-23. The Blackhawks’ Skylar Trimble had three kills and an ace.

BOYS TENNIS

Delta rolled to a 5-0 win over visiting New Palestine in its Hoosier Heritage Conference Opener. After being tied 3-3 in the first set, Matt Hapner and Nick Bantz won their last nine games at No. 1 doubles for the Eagles, who are ranked seventh in the first state poll.

GIRLS GOLF

Wapahani won a tri-meet with Wes-Del and Daleville at Crestview Golf Club, shooting a 212 to outdistance the Warriors (224) and Broncos (225). Daleville’s Bailey Teague earned medalist honors with a 44, while Wapahani’s Emily Rausch was just behind with a 45.

Jay County won a tri-meet with Bluffton and Monroe Central at Hickory Hills Golf Club, shooting a 205 to top second-place Bluffton by 11 strokes. Jay County’s Brooke Sanders carded a 47 to earn medalist honors.

GIRLS SOCCER

Yorktown improved to 3-0-1 with an 11-0 win over visiting Burris. Sarah Bade had four goals and an assist, while Lizzie Smith tallied three scores and three helpers.

Delta tallied 21 shots but was unable to find the back of the net in a 0-0 tie with visiting Connersville. Delta goalkeeper Jessica McNeil made five saves as Naja Chimbanda and Sabreena Ferguson anchored the Eagles’ defense.

UNDERCLASS

JUNIOR VARSITY

FOOTBALL

Monroe Central defeated Union City 8-6 on Monday. Kayden Conklin ran for a score and added the two-point conversion, while Kamron Cawdell had a game-ending interception.

Winchester topped Northeastern 29-6, holding the Knights scoreless for three quarters. Isaiah Jordan-Miller ran for two scores and completed touchdown passes to Adam Hollinger and Jordan Key.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Volleyball

The Burris eighth-grade squad rolled to a 25-5, 25-5 win over Alexandria as Helen Beach had 10 aces and Abbie Kesler had nine. The Burris seventh-grade team defeated Alexandria 25-24, 25-14.

Union County’s Ella Dils hits the ball Tuesday during a volleyball game against New Castle in Liberty.

LIBERTY, Ind. – Momentum is a dangerous thing.

So was Avarie Powell’s attack Tuesday night at Union County High School’s Wilbur Curry Court.

New Castle used both to battle back for a thrilling 17-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-19 victory over Class 2A No. 7-ranked Union County.

“That was much needed,” said Matt Curts, the first-year head coach at New Castle who has 14 years of head coaching experience.

After winning three straight Tri-Eastern Conference titles and making trips to the IHSAA semistate three of the past four seasons, Union County is looking to use the loss as a building block with defense of their TEC title scheduled to begin Thursday at Union City.

“We just keep working on our goals,” Union County coach Frank Spurlock said. “We keep improving on the things we can improve on and worry about the things we can control. These girls know what their goals are and they know what they’re trying to achieve.”

Ranked seventh in IndianaPrepVolleball.com’s Class 2A poll and 14th in the Indiana Girls Coaches Association poll, Union County (2-1) used a balanced attack and the leadership of six seniors to sprint to a 25-17 Game 1 victory, as well as the early advantage in Game 2.

The Patriots led by as many as seven points, but New Castle found a way to get back in the game, using a 5-1 run to get within 20-18 and forcing Union County to take a timeout at a crucial time.

The Patriots cushioned their lead to 23-19, but Powell had two kills in a run that put the Trojans within 24-23.

A penalty tied the game at 24 for New Castle, and a block fell in to give the Trojans a 25-24 lead.

Union County got help from a serve error to tie the game one last time, before Powell gave the Trojans game point and Gaci Bowers followed with the game-winning kill.

“In Game 2 we started out down and I called a timeout and said, it is now or never,” Curts said. “We got to focus on ball control, serve receive and we’ve got to serve aggressive. On that timeout, we came back point by point by point by point and we got them, and that changed the dynamics of the game.”

The Trojans never trailed in Game 4, and despite some UC fight in Game 4, Powell’s ability to tip in the middle was too much.

The Class 4A Trojans swept the Patriots two years ago, but Union County rebounded to win TEC, sectional and regional titles in two straight seasons.

“It’s a lesson, definitely for us,” said Union County senior Allison Kassens, the Palladium-Item’s reigning two-time All-Area Player of the Year. “… We’re just going to take advantage of playing New Castle and being so close to them and we’re going to make adjustments based on what we did wrong here, so we know what to do in the future when we get back to sectional champions, regional championships, that kind of thing.”

Kassens led the Patriots with 19 kills, while Madison Rosenberger had 10, Ella Dils had seven and Danielle Hill and Sydney Bradford each had five.

Bailey Jenkins had 18 digs for Union County, while Lauren Lester and Madison Rosenberger each had 13, Kassens had 12 and Micaila Rosenberger had nine.

Jenkins and Micaila Rosenberger each had two aces, while Dils and Kassens each had one.

Jenkins set for 34 assists, while Dils had 2.5 blocks, Hill had two and Bradford one.

“Union County’s a very good team,” Curts said. “They came out swinging, they served the ball really, really well, really aggressively, they got us out of system, and are a really good team. Frank’s doing a good job.

“I’m just glad we fought through and came back and won.”

Chase Clasby

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Jay County earned ninth place in a meet at Bellmont with a score of 236. Alex LeMaster was the leader for the Patriots, placing 45th and posting a time of 20 minutes, 6.4 seconds.

BOYS SOCCER

Central shut out Blackford 12-0 on its home field. The Bearcats’ Chase Clasby and Devon McNabb each scored three goals.

Yorktown tied Anderson 6-6 in a home contest. Karter Bibbs scored three goals and had two assists for the Tigers.

Delta lost to Mount Vernon 4-0. Eagles goalkeeper Hunter Kittrell had 17 saves.

Jay County defeated Woodlan 6-2 Monday. Jason Schlosser and Zaaron Lee each contributed two goals to the Patriots’ win.

BOYS TENNIS

Head coach Don Wafer picked up his 600th career win as Central defeated Blue River 5-0. The Bearcats’ Kaes Petroviak and Boyd McCoy didn’t give up any games in their win at No. 2 doubles.

Yorktown swept Shenandoah 5-0 in a home match. The Tigers’ Wilson Trulock came back from a first-set loss to earn the victory at No. 2 doubles.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Jay County placed sixth out of 8 teams at the Bellmont Invitational with a score of 128 points. Megan Wellman finished fourth in the race with a time of 20:22.2.

GIRLS GOLF

Central pulled out the victory in a close match against Anderson, 187-188. Olivia Phillips led the Bearcats, shooting a 45.

Daleville fell to Pendleton Heights 174-216. Bailey Teague led the Broncos, shooting a 43.

New Castle fell to Richmond 182-209 Monday evening at Richmond Elks. Olivia Porter shot the best score for the Trojans with a 49.

Wes-Del topped Eastern Hancock 223-246. Jentry Johnson medaled for Wes-Del with a 49.

Jay County placed second in a triangular meet against Adams Central and South Adams, putting up a score of 216. Sydney Robbins led the Patriots, shooting a 49.

GIRLS SOCCER

Jay County took down Woodlan 10-0 Monday. Lucy Laux, Sophie Bader and Gabbie Mann each scored three goals for the Patriots. Jay County’s Lilly Rogers recorded four saves in her second shutout of the season.

VOLLEYBALL

Wes-Del defeated Union in three sets (25-11, 25-17, 25-15), taking the team to a 3-0 Mid-Eastern Conference record. Perrie Smalley contributed nine kills to the Warriors’ victory.

Wapahani swept Blue River 25-12, 25-18, 25-17. Sky Van Note led the Raiders with nine kills, six aces and seven blocks.

Burris lost to Alexandria in three sets (25-17, 25-14, 25-21). Joshlyn Crouch led the Owls in kills with eight.

Monroe Central defeated Southern Wells in four sets (25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-20). Jordyn Barga had 17 digs for the Golden Bears.

Jay County earned a victory against Winchester in three sets (25-19, 25-14, 25-18). The Golden Falcons’ Leah Malkey put up five kills.