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In its fifth trip to the state finals, top-ranked Penn (39-1) won its final match of the season sweeping No. 3 Muncie Central, 25-18, 30-28, 25-22, for the 4A state championship at Worthen Arena in Muncie.

It was the first volleyball state championship for the school and Coach Lisa Pawlik and came at the hands of the team that beat them in their only other championship match appearance. Muncie Central beat Penn in the 2002 title match.

It was Penn’s second victory over the Bearcats this season following a 3-1 decision on Sept. 11. Penn’s only loss of the year was a 2-1 setback to 2A champion Muncie Burris on Aug. 28. They finished by winning 33 straight matches.

Penn was led by Kaitlyn Hickey’s 13 kills and Sam Heberling’s 11 kills and .474 hitting percentage. Jamie Drummer, Marquita Marshall and Jaydn’ Pegues each tallied 11 kills for Muncie Central. Drummer also was credited with 17 digs on defense.

Muncie Central (34-5), coached by Wes Lyon, finished as the state runner-up for the fifth time in school history in 11 championship match apperances.

ZOE BILELLO OF MUNCIE CENTRAL WINS MENTAL ATTITUDE AWARD
Zoe Bilello of Muncie Central High School was named winner of the 2010 Mental Attitude Award for 4A Volleyball by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.

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

Ranked second in her class, Bilello is a member of the National Honor Society and received a National Merit Scholars commendation.  She is also part of the Muncie Central tennis team and band. Bilello was named Defensive Player of the Year after the Bearcats’ 2009 state championship season.

Next year, Bilello will attend Yale University and major in Pre-Med.                          

She is the daughter of Joseph and Teresa Bilello 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 Zoe Bilello.  Since 1989, more than $707,000 in college scholarships have been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.