Page 20 - 2016-17 Volleyball State Finals Program

Last Year’s State Finals in Review

Top-Ranked Indianapolis Cathedral completes Undefeated Season

The top-ranked volleyball team in the country made a great
case for itself as Indianapolis Cathedral swept sixth-ranked
Carroll of Fort Wayne, 3-0, for the IHSAA Class 4A Volley-
ball State Championship at Worthen Arena in Muncie.
Sitting a top the national rankings at MaxPreps.com since
September 16, the Fighting Irish finished off Carroll, 25-21,
25-13, 25-21, to complete a perfect 36-0 campaign and
became the 14th undefeated state champion in state
tournament history.
After falling in last year’s title match, the Irish returned
seven starters and took it all the way this season for the
school’s seventh volleyball crown, third-most in state
annals.
All seven of Cathedral’s state titles have come under the
guidance of coach Jean Kesterson who became the second
Indiana high school volleyball coach with as many and
second only to former Muncie Burris coach Steve Shondell
(21).
The Irish set a state finals record for hitting percentage
in a three-set match with a .352 clip thanks in part to Nia
Robinson and Megan Sloan who provided 15 and 11 kills,
respectively.
Jacqueline Quade led Carroll with 14 kills and Ellee Rus-
kaup added 12 digs on defense for the Chargers.

Providence Sweeps to Third Consecutive State Championship
In a battle of the top two ranked teams in Class 3A, it was
second-ranked Providence sweeping its way to a third
consecutive state championship in Ball State University’s
Worthen Arena.
The Pioneers (37-3), playing in their first 3A championship
match after winning the last two years in 2A, scored on
more than 30 percent of their attacks and overwhelmed the
top-ranked Tigers, 25-20, 25-15, 25-16.

It was the 20th consecutive state tournament victory for
Providence and coach Terri Purichia dating back to 2013.
The Pioneers also extended their streak to an incredible 60
consecutive sets won in state tournament action ranking
second in state history. Only Muncie Burris’ 102 straight
from 1997 to 2003 ranks better.
Marissa Hornung led Providence with 19 kills in the match
followed by Jacquie Hornung with 14. Audrey Shannon, the
mental attitude award winner, led the team on the defensive
side with 13 digs in the match.

Yorktown’s Kenzie Knuckles paced her team with 10 kills.
Mimi Arrington was the defensive leader with 15 digs fol-
lowed by Jade York and Knuckles with 13 each.
20 IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport. Pure INDIANA!