Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc.

9150 North Meridian Street, Box 40650, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240-0650

Phone: 317-846-6601    Fax: 317-575-4244    Website: www.ihsaa.org

Blake Ress, Commissioner

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November 4, 2006

 

 

CATHEDRAL DEFEATS MUNCIE CENTRAL FOR 4A STATE CROWN

The Cathedral Fighting Irish (38-2) defeated the Muncie Central Bearcats (33-7) in a thrilling four-game match to capture the 4A IHSAA state title Saturday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. 

 

The match was tied 1-1 through two games with Cathedral taking the first 25-17 and Muncie Central taking the second 25-23.  The turning point occurred in the third game of the match when the Irish outlasted the Bearcats 27-25, thanks to a block from sophomore middle hitter Christiana Gray and senior setter Emily Burke.  Cathedral would go on to win the final game 25-18.

 

The victory marked Cathedral’s fifth state title in school history.  The Irish’s offensive attack was led by sophomore middle hitter Christiana Gray with a team-high 18 kills and one service ace.  Senior outside hitter Lauren McIntyre and senior hitter Yvonne Marten chipped in with 17 and 14 kills of their own, respectively. Cathedral’s defensive front was led by senior defensive specialist Julie Sylvester with a team-high 18 digs.  The blocking duo of sophomore middle hitter Mary Ording and Gray tallied five blocks on the night.  Ording had four solos.  Also chipping in on defense was senior outside hitter Emily O’Connor with 11 digs and sophomore defensive specialist Christina Barra with 10. 

 

The Bearcats offense and defense was led by senior outside hitter Kim Kuzma with 19 kills and 19 digs, both match-highs.  Sophomore outside hitter Tessa McGill also contributed 13 kills and 14 digs.  Sophomore outside hitter Kristina Kerrigan rounded out the offensive leaders with 11 kills while senior setter Emily Tschour helped with 12 digs.

 

Head coach Jean Kesterson’s Fighting Irish advanced to the final match by defeating New Albany (36-3) in four games Saturday morning at North Central (Indpls.).  Wes Lyon’s Bearcats advanced to the final match by defeating Penn (31-8) in three games in the other semifinal.

 

It was the third time in four years, the two schools had met in the championship match with Cathedral winning in 2003 while Muncie Central won in 2004.

 

KIM KUZMA NAMED MENTAL ATTITUDE WINNER

Muncie Central’s Kim Kuzma was named winner of the 2006 Mental Attitude Award for Class 4A Volleyball by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.

 

Kuzma works with the Saint Francis Church youth group and volunteers her time for the Muncie soup kitchen and local nursery.  She is also a starter for the Bearcat’s varsity softball team. 

 

Kuzma maintains a 3.80 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.  She is also a member of the National Honor Society and has been a member of the Student Council for three years.  The senior outside hitter will attend the University of Wisconsin where she has received a volleyball scholarship and will study business. 

 

“Kim Kuzma is an outstanding young lady,” said Principal Dick Daniel.  “She is a tremendous athlete, an excellent student, and gives back to the community.”

 

Kuzma is the daughter of Tim and Sharon Kuzma of Muncie.

 

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA’s corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000.00 to Muncie Central High School in the name of Kim Kuzma.  Since 1989, more than $551,000 in college scholarships has been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.

 

 

VSN MEANS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

Visit our friends at Visual Sports Network, the IHSAA’s official photographer for all state championship events and one of the leading action photographers in the Midwest. VSN, which was on site, has captured thousands of images from this year’s State Finals and will have them ready for viewing within a couple days of the state finals.

 

 

STATE FINALS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Couldn’t be at state finals? You can still purchase a copy of the official souvenir program while supplies last! Programs are $3.00 if you purchase in person at the IHSAA Office (9150 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis) or $5.00 by mail (postage included). To order, have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call us at 317-846-6601 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. EDT).