November 5, 2016
Fort Wayne Blackhawk Upsets Defending Champion Christian Academy
Olivia Martin's record-setting performance spurred Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian to a 27-25, 25-13, 20-25, 25-20 victory over top-ranked, defending state champion Christian Academy of Indiana for the Class A volleyball state championship.
It was the school's first volleyball state championship and fourth overall with the previous three all delivered in baseball in 2002, 2005 and 2006. The seventh-ranked Braves (31-5) closed with their 10th straight victory and knocked out a top 10 team for the third consecutive match with Saturday's victory at Ball State's Worthen Arena.
Martin tallied 27 kills, a Class A state championship four-set record. She hit .500 for the match and also led the team in digs with 15. Teammate Casey Bunner added 18 kills and Ally Barkhaus contributed 13 kills and tied Martin for team honors with 15 digs.
Third-year Braves coach Lindsay Roth guided her team to a 31-5 record in its first appearance in the state finals.
Christian Academy, which was making its third straight appearance in the final match, was led by Alli Stumler's 24 kills. Sierra Rayzor killed 15 and Lexi Lester led the team with 14 digs. The Warriors (31-7) were coached by fifth-year leader Walter Pauly and settled for the runner-up spot for the second-time in three years.
Olivia Martin named Mental Attitude Award Winner
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, named Olivia Martin of Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian as the winner of the Class A Mental Attitude Award.
Olivia is a four-year starter for the Braves, and has helped lead her team to four consecutive Regional Championships and their first appearance in the state finals.
Voted a team captain this past season, she led Blackhawk Christian in kills, digs, and blocks. In addition to her success in the gym, Olivia was also a participant in the 2014 Beach Volleyball Nationals. As a leader on the court and in the classroom, Olivia is a member of her school’s National Honor Society and is an Honor Roll student.
Olivia is the daughter of Tom and Dee Martin of Fort Wayne. She plans to attended the University of Indianapolis to study Biology.
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 Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian’s general scholarship fund in the name of Olivia Martin.