By RICHARD TORRES
For The Reporter
FISHERS – The Fishers Tigers jostled the Hamilton Southeastern Royals’ crown momentarily on Thursday night, but they could do little to dethrone the nation’s third-best volleyball program.
The host Tigers forced 18 ties through three games and led by as many as three points in the first set against Class 4A No. 1 HSE, and then the Royals remembered who they are.
The two-time defending state champion Royals put together a pair of decisive runs in the first and second sets to win both games by a margin of 25-17 before capping their three-game, Mudsock sweep 25-14 in the third.
“Both of our soccer teams tied (Fishers this week), so we were kind of that match that decides the Mudsock. We’re in the lead now, so that’s really good for our team,” HSE senior Lindsey Mangleson said. “I feel like this win was really good because there’s just so much energy here. We just all played out, and it really feels good.”
Playing in front of a lively crowd at Fishers High School, both rival Hoosier Crossroads Conference programs battled through four ties and two lead changes in the first set and nine ties in the second with six lead changes.
In both sets, Mangleson, a Mississippi State recruit, powered HSE’s deciding rallies, including an ace in the first, which kicked off a 7-3 run, and a kill for the fourth point during the second set’s 10-3 swing.
The Tigers (11-6, 2-1 HCC) and Royals (11-1, 2-1 HCC) were deadlocked 9-9 in the first before HSE charged ahead 16-9. In the second, an 11-11 tie quickly turned into a 21-14 HSE advantage.
“I feel like we had all the momentum, and then we just made big defensive plays that helped us push, and we just won the game,” said Mangleson, who was named the game’s inaugural most valuable player.
“I feel like we had a lot of pressure in the beginning of the season, and then we lost to Brownsburg (3-1 on Aug. 29). I feel like that really took the pressure off, and I feel like we’ve just come out and played our hardest and are coming and playing like we’re ranked.”
A state champion in 2022-23 with a record of 34-1 and again in 2023-24 with a flawless 33-0 record, the Royals showcased their championship pedigree with consistent attacks spearheaded by senior setter Ava Hunter, a Loyola-Chicago commit.
Hunter routinely fed 6-foot-2 Mangleson and junior Madison Miles, an Illinois recruit, to tame any potential rallies by the Tigers.
“In a rivalry such as this, records and favorites don’t matter. It’s about who can get the job done on this particular night in front of a really good crowd on both sides,” HSE head coach Jason Young said.
“I’ve always said, it’s special just because we’re playing against neighbors, against teammates, against people we care about. Usually, it’s just about fun bragging rights and that makes this game special. It’s one district with two schools, but we’re all in this together.”
Both teams were invested in the outcome with Fishers senior Elaina Wehrman, sophomore Milana Mays, sophomore Ella Dragoo, senior Ava Gutt and senior Aubree Valcourt keeping the Tigers in the match with strong net play.
A dig by HSE junior defensive specialist Mia Walpole swung the momentum for good in the second set, however.
With the ball volleyed over the HSE bench, Walpole tracked down the Tigers’ attack and dove through the sideline chairs to keep the rally alive. A few exchanges later, a Raegan Miles block put the Royals up 20-14.
“I think it was a pretty cool moment. I think it definitely changed the momentum of the game, which is really fun,” Walpole said. “In practice, we’ve really been working on defense a lot yesterday, so I think we came in really prepared and with the right mindset.”
Walpole’s all-out effort fueled the Royals, who completed their 10-3 run and resumed later with a 4-2 finale.
“That was one of the biggest momentum changes for us. I feel like after that point, we just had all the momentum. It was a game changer,” Mangleson said.
Fishers led the third set through five ties to start before HSE ran away with a 13-3 run.
“I don’t think we felt any pressure. I don’t think we were cocky, but we were very confident in ourselves, and we knew what we had to do. We executed really well,” Walpole said.
The Royals relished the rivalry win, but there’s still more to do, said coach Young.
“The way that this group is built, I don’t think there is any satisfaction. I don’t think we’re done hunting. I think we still have something to prove, and we still have something to show. We’re looking for the next crown,” Young said. “The crown that’s in the rearview mirror is done. It’s about the crown that’s in front of us, and that’s what we’re after. Again, there’s a target on us, and good for that, but we’re not done hunting.”