November 5, 2016

Top-Ranked Yorktown Tops Providence for 3A Crown
Providence had its eyes set on winning its fourth consecutive state championship, but Yorktown had  plans of its own with a 25-17, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22 victory in the Class 3A volleyball state championship.

In the rematch of last year's final, Yorktown secured its third volleyball crown (2000, 2011) after settling for the runner-up spot a year ago. It was the school's sixth state title in any sport.

Kenzie Knuckles led the Tigers with 30 kills and 18 digs. Knuckles’ 30 kills earned her the four-set kills state championship record, nearly doubling the previous record of 17. Teammate Kylie Murr also snagged 18 digs and Olivia Reed followed with 17 of her own. Setter Bella Rosenthall ended the night with 46 assists and Kate Vinson claimed three service aces in the game.

Ninth-year head coach Stephanie Bloom helped lead the Tigers to a 37-1 finish closing with 27 straight victories.

The Pioneers (34-6) were led by Marissa Hornung who totaled 17 kills, one block and 10 digs. Mia Fougrousse and Courtney Glotzbach grabbed 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Lexie Libs led Providence in assists with 48 while Cheyenne Brooks completed 21 digs.

Providence was led to their fifth consecutive state title match by 18th-year coach Terri Purichia. The Pioneers suffered their first tournament loss since their 2012 runner-up season snapping a string of 26 straight tournament matches.

Olivia Reed of Yorktown earns Mental Attitude Award
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, named Olivia Reed of Yorktown High School as the winner of the Class 3A Mental Attitude Award.

The Tigers’ Team Captain helped her team to four consecutive conference championships, back-to-back State Finals appearances, and was recognized as a member of the Academic All-State team this past season. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Olivia is also the captain of the Yorktown Track and Field team, where she earned honors as a Coaches Association All-State First Team member as a junior.

In the classroom and in her community, Olivia is a National Honors Society member, a member of Yorktown’s Riley Dance Marathon Executive Committee, is a member of the student-council, and was voted as the Student Body President her senior year. She volunteers regularly the Break Basket Soup Kitchen and as a Youth Group and Bible study leader in her church. She has even found time to do mission work and has participated in the St. Louis MO-tutoring program, where she tutors refugee children, mentors inner-city students, and aids the elderly.

The daughter of Dr. Tod and Angela Reed of Yorktown, Olivia intends to enroll at Indiana University and pursue either a pre-medicine or pre-law degree.

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 3A Volleyball, will donate $1,000 to Yorktown High School's general scholarship fund in the name of Olivia Reed.