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Top-ranked Providence swept its way through this year's Class 2A volleyball state tournament defeating unranked Hammond Bishop Noll, 25-18, 25-15, 25-20, in the final match at Ball State University's Worthen Arena.

It was the first volleyball state championship for Providence (36-4), a school of 492 students in Clarksville, Ind. just north of Louisville, Ky. It was the school's seventh appearance in the state finals and comes on the heels of last year's runner-up finish in this match.

After losing its fourth match of the year on Sept. 25, Providence swept through its final 17 opponents, 44-0.

Taylor Wilson led Providence with 14 kills in the match followed by Haley Libs with 11. Wilson was in on seven blocks while Libs led all with 15 digs. Patricia Mattingly led the Pioneers with 33 assists. Bishop Noll's Carly Cappello led the Warriors with 14 kills.

Terri Purichia guided the Pioneers to the school's best season with only three seniors while the future also looks bright for the young Bishop Noll squad with only four seniors on its roster. The Warriors were the only newcomer to this year's state championship matches and finished 30-10 under head coach David Rodriguez.

Providence’s Abby Spitznagel Named Mental Attitude Award Winner
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee named Abby Spitznagel of Providence High School as the winner of the Class 2A Mental Attitude Award.

The Pioneers captain and defensive specialist led her team to the state finals the past two years.  During her career at Providence, she has won three sectional and regional titles, two semi-state championships and a semi-state runner-up finish.

Abby is ranked seventh in her senior class and has been a member of the President’s List.  Involved within her community, Abby volunteers her free time to National Honor Society Tutoring, Crossroads Ministry, and has participated in a Mission Trip to Nicaragua.

Abby plans to attend Indiana University in the fall and is leaning towards the medical field of study.

She is the daughter of Frank and Janie Spitznagel of New Albany.

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. The Committee presented $1,000 to Providence High School's general scholarship fund in the name of Abby Spitznagel.