Three Hamilton County volleyball teams are still perfect on the season after early-week wins.
On Monday, Fishers moved to 4-0 for the year by sweeping Bishop Chatard 25-12, 25-16, 25-13 in a home match. Ten different players scored points for the Tigers, starting with 13 kills from Jada Allen. Camryn Haworth hit six kills and served five aces, Emily Waldrop added eight kills and one ace, and Mikayla Christiansen spiked four kills.
Two sophomores also stepped up: JaNyah Henderson hit six kills, while Ava Vickers knocked down three kills. On defense, Samantha Perdue picked up 15 digs, followed by Carsen Plew with seven, Olivia Lux with five and Margo Hernandez with five.
“The success of our season depends upon our ability to win as a team,” said Fishers coach Steven Peek. “Even one weak link will create an opportunity for our opponents. Our opponents are too good for that. Everyone has to be ready to use their strengths to help the team.”
While the match was played at home, Fishers’ Tiger Cage has not been there due to the safety restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We love the Tiger Cage and miss them, but we are all trying to be smart and responsible,” said Peek.
“We have been given the opportunity to do things right and show our leadership that we can,” said Peek, who added that the team takes the health risks “very seriously.”
The Tigers are off until Thursday, Sept. 3, when they travel to Noblesville to start Hoosier Crossroads Conference play.
Hamilton Southeastern improved to 3-0 for the season by sweeping Lawrence North 25-13, 25-19, 25-20 on Tuesday.
Three different Royals players, Avery Hobson, Delaney Garner and Lovie Wallace, all hit seven kills during the match. Garner also dominated the net with 3.5 blocks and served two aces. Carly Mills played strong on defense with 27 digs, and Emily Weber handed out 12 assists.
Southeastern coach Jason Young said his team was able to find its stride after an eight-day layoff.
“I was happy with the effort and look forward to the start of our conference matches against Brownsburg this Thursday,” said Young.
The Royals will travel to the Bulldogs’ gym to begin HCC play, then take another road trip on Saturday to participate in the Providence Showcase.
Westfield came from behind to win a five-setter over Pendleton Heights Monday at The Rock.
After dropping the first two sets 19-25, 21-25, the Shamrocks won the next three, 25-13, 25-20, 15-4. Kenzie Daffinee hit 13 kills and served five aces, while Sarah Weglarz added 13 kills and handed out 40 assists. Ellary Detamore collected 25 digs and Katie Sweet made five blocks.
Westfield is now 3-0 and hosts Southport at 7 p.m. tonight.
Carmel scored a sweep of Avon 25-17, 25-21, 25-22 Tuesday at the Eric Clark Activity Center.
In the third set, Avon led most of the way until a four-point run put the ‘Hounds ahead 23-21, with Lauren Evans hitting a pair of aces. Savanna Rogers hit a kill to give Carmel match point, then Caroline Yuska’s hit finished the match.
“Avon was continuing to fight, which was our expectation the entire way,” said Greyhounds coach Kristine Deem. But her team was able to get the last few points.
“They figured out how to make some adjustments on our side and fight and take over the last set,” said Deem.
Evans hit 19 kills, while Yuska had eight. Ella Bostic handed out 34 assists. Lexi Brehl made 12 digs, with Evans collecting 10 digs and serving five aces. Jaclyn Sherb and Valerie Trent each served two aces, while Emily Waddell made four blocks.
Carmel is now 4-2 and next plays Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Center Grove to begin Metropolitan Conference play.
Hamilton Heights won a four-set match over Tipton on Tuesday, 23-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-15.
Kelsey Smith and Jordan Fryman both hit 12 kills to lead the Huskies. Smith also had a strong night setting, while Lauren Lewis had a great service game.
The Huskies junior varsity won 25-20, 25-13.
Heights plays at 7:30 p.m. tonight at New Palestine.
Sheridan dropped a three-set match at Lebanon on Tuesday, 25-19, 25-14, 25-12.
Emma Went picked up six digs and served two aces. Taylor Bates handed out eight assists and also hit two aces. Allie Delph spiked five kills and Lillie Dickerson made two assists.
The Blackhawks’ junior varsity fell 25-8, 25-7. Laney Inman had two digs and one ace.
Sheridan hosts Shenandoah tonight, with JV starting at 6 p.m. and the varsity following.
Fishers’ Mikayla Christiansen makes a hit during the Tigers’ sweep of Bishop Chatard on Monday. (Kirk Green)