The REPORTER
Hamilton Southeastern and Westfield advanced to the Sectional 8 championship match after getting straight-set wins in last Saturday’s semifinals.
In the first match, the host Shamrocks swept Noblesville 25-16, 25-13, 25-13. Carsyn Comer hit 10 kills, made six blocks and served two aces. Audrey Bassett put down nine kills. Brooke Neale served two aces, Kendyl Strack had 15 digs and Emily Blevins dished out 20 assists.
Noblesville finished its season 21-12.
The Royals followed, and swept Zionsville 25-10, 25-16, 25-20. Lindsey Mangelson hit 19 kills and Madison Miles spiked 12 kills. Maye McConnell had an outstanding serve performance with eight aces and also collected 17 digs. Ava Hunter dished out 37 assists.
Sectional 8 play began last Thursday with Noblesville sweeping Fishers 25-19, 25-20, 27-25. The Tigers finished their season 18-15.
In the second match, Zionsville beat Carmel in four sets, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-21. The Greyhounds did push the Eagles in the third set, coming back from a large deficit before Zionsville won the set.
Carmel continued to battle in the fourth set, with sophomore Emily Overbeck hitting a pair of kills. Senior Noema Philistin-Lynch made a huge block that was part of a four-point Greyhounds run, getting them within 22-19.
Carmel finished the season 9-21, but first-year coach Jonni Parker believes the future is bright for the Hounds.
“I don’t think the record reflects of where we are going, and I’m very excited for the next hopefully several years with this program and that they showcase with our athletes coming back,” said Parker. “Our seniors did a really nice job leading the program this year, helping me get acquainted as the first year.” Parker also said there will be “some really nice young leaders and players” contributing to the team over the next several years.