November 7, 2015
Christian Academy tops Lafayette Central Catholic for First State Title
Second-ranked Christian Academy of Indiana captured a thrilling five-set match defeating top-ranked Lafayette Central Catholic, 3-2, to win the IHSAA Class A volleyball state championship at Worthen Arena in Muncie.
Following the 26-28, 25-22, 25-22, 13-25, 16-14 decision, the Warriors (29-6) celebrated the first state championship of any kind for the school located in New Albany. Three starters returned from last year's squad which finished as state runner-up in this match a year ago. It was the only loss for Lafayette Central Catholic (39-1) and ended their bid for a second title (2010).
Alli Stumler led the Warriors with 34 kills, a Class A state championship record in a five-set match, with her cousin Sierra Rayzor adding 18. Mackenzie Haworth served up three service aces and Ciara Koch dug out 23 on defense and provided 47 assists.
Lafayette Central Catholic had three players reach double figure kills led by Kiana Fields with 15. Allison Tharp and Cameron Onken added 10 for the Knights.
Christian Academy actually led most of the first set and was on the verge of closing it out at 24-21 before LCC turned the tables with four straight points and went on to win, 28-26. The Warriors took the ensuing two sets before Lafayette Central Catholic dominated Set 4 to force the decisive fifth set.
Christian Academy was coached by Walter Pauly and Lafayette Central Catholic was guided by Brad McCarter.
Cameron Onken named Mental Attitude Award Winner
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, named Cameron Onken of Lafayette Central Catholic High School as the winner of the Class A Mental Attitude Award.
Cameron is a two time All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State First Team selection for volleyball. In addition to succeeding on the volleyball court, Cameron excels in basketball and track as well. As an All-State selection last year, she helped lead the Knights to a basketball state title and was named a McDonald’s All-American nominee for this season.
A National Honor Society member, Cameron has served as both the Student Body President and Vice-President, is a Student Ambassador, participated in the March for Life in Washington D.C., and also volunteers for the St. John’s Food Pantry. She is ranked third in her graduating class at Lafayette Central Catholic.
Cameron is the daughter of Jeff and Carla Onken of Lafayette. She will attend Villanova University on an athletic scholarship and plans to major in pre-medicine.
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. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, presenting sponsor of the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award in Class 1A Volleyball, will donate $1,000 to Lafayette Central High School's general scholarship fund in the name of Cameron Onken.