November 9, 2013
Brebeuf Jesuit Sweeps Fort Wayne Concordia for 3A Title
Ninth-ranked Brebeuf Jesuit won three tight games for an unexpected sweep of Fort Wayne Concordia, 26-24, 27-25, 25-23, to win the IHSAA Class 3A state championship match at Muncie's Worthen Arena.
It was the fourth volleyball state title in 11 years for the Braves (20-12) to go along with trophies won in 2003, 2005 and 2009. It was the third runner-up finish for Concordia including a loss to Brebeuf in this same match 10 years ago.
Seventh-ranked Concordia entered the match after beating three straight top six foes including a sweep of No. 1 Mishawaka Marian last Saturday. After dropping the first game, the Cadets appeared to be in control in Game 2 with a 23-19 advantage but Brebeuf rallied to steal it 27-25 to really change the momentum of the match.
Sierra Witham, the mental attitude award winner, led Brebeuf with 22 kills with Courtney Simons adding 11 of her own. Becca Anglen tallied 16 digs and McKena Estes 28 assists for the Braves. Tionna Williams led Concordia with 18 kills with Grace Miller digging out 24 balls and Rachel Kammeyer had four service aces.
Coached by Anna Huse, Brebeuf also became the first volleyball state champion with more than 10 losses in a season. The Braves entered the state tournament just 13-12. Concordia and coach Tricia Miller capped a terrific season at 29-8.
Brebeuf’s Sierra Witham Named Mental Attitude Award Winner
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee named Sierra Witham of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School as the winner of the Class 3A Mental Attitude Award.
The 2012 First Team All-State athlete was part of two state finalist teams in her high school career (2010). She was also named All-County in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Sierra is in the top 15% of her senior class and has made Class Honors every semester. She holds the position of Opinion Editor in Brebeuf’s school newspaper and is involved with the Jewish Student Union. Outside of her school organizations, Sierra has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans and Special Olympics Indiana.
Post-graduation, she plans to study political science and journalism but is undecided on her college choice.
Sierra is the daughter of Angie Witham of Fishers.
Each year the IHSAA Executive Committee selects a senior player who was nominated by her principal and coach and was determined to have best demonstrated mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability. The Committee presented $1,000 to Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School's general scholarship fund in the name of Sierra Witham.