News

In a battle of the top two-ranked teams in Class 3A, second-ranked Brebeuf Jesuit avenged its only loss of the season taking a 25-21, 14-25, 25-15, 25-21 decision and the state championship from top-ranked Yorktown at Worthen Arena on Saturday.

It was the third volleyball state championship for the Braves (34-1) to go along with their 2003 and 2005 banner seasons. Yorktown, which finished 37-2 and had bested the Braves, 2-1, back on Aug. 29, was gunning for its second overall (2000-3A) championship. The Tigers only previous loss had come in the regular season’s final week to 2A champion Muncie Burris.

Down two games to one, Yorktown battled back from an 11-6 deficit to finally knot the score at 19-19. After the team’s traded two points a piece, Brebeuf Jesuit rattled off the next four in a row including a two kills by Sloane White for the championship.

White shared match honors with Yorktown’s Ari Eaton with 16 kills each. Brebeuf’s Lauren Rafdal and Jeme Obeime both added 12. White finished the match hitting .519. Jadyn Yarling dug 19 kill attempts on defense for the Braves. Jill Hopper tallied 13 kills for Yorktown, while Bailey Barker and Emily MacIntyre collected 21 and 16 digs, respectively.

Brebeuf Jesuit, coached by Brian Murray, had turned away Silver Creek in the morning semifinal round, 25-11, 25-14, 25-4, while Yorktown swept Mishawaka Marian, 25-20, 25-16, 25-14 in the other semi. Stephanie Bloom was the Yorktown coach.

YORKTOWN’S LAURA AVILA NAMED MENTAL ATTITUDE AWARD WINNER
Laura Avila of Yorktown High School was named winner of the 2009 Mental Attitude Award for Girls 3A volleyball by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.

The award is presented annually to a senior in each classification who best demonstrates excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.

Avila is a three year-member of the Student Council, where she has served as committee chair.  She is a member of the Academic Team, Key Club, and National Honor Society, and has volunteered at nursing homes and soup kitchens.  Laura is also active in her local church. 
The four-year varsity letterwinner was named to the 2009 All-State and All-County teams.  Avila recorded team-highs in both aces and assists during the 2008 season, and was designated as team captain her junior and senior years. She also plays tennis for the Tigers.
Avila ranks second in her senior class at Yorktown. She is undecided on her college choice at this time but plans to pursue a degree in education or speech pathology.

She is the daughter of Ramon Avila of Yorktown.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA’s corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000.00 to Yorktown High School in the name of Avila.  Since 1989, more than $575,000 in college scholarships have been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.