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Providence Sweeps to Third Consecutive State Championship

Posted: November 7, 2015

In a battle of the top two ranked teams in Class 3A, it was second-ranked Providence sweeping its way to a third consecutive state championship in Ball State University's Worthen Arena.

The Pioneers (37-3), playing in their first 3A championship match after winning the last two years in 2A, scored on more than 30 percent of their attacks and overwhelmed the top-ranked Tigers, 25-20, 25-15, 25-16.

It was the 20th consecutive state tournament victory for Providence and coach Terri Purichia dating back to 2013. The Pioneers also extended their streak to an incredible 60 consecutive sets won in state tournament action ranking second in state history. Only Muncie Burris' 102 straight from 1997 to 2003 ranks better.

Marissa Hornung led Providence with 19 kills in the match followed by Jacquie Hornung with 14. Audrey Shannon, the mental attitude award winner, led the team on the defensive side with 13 digs in the match.

Yorktown's Kenzie Knuckles paced her team with 10 kills. Mimi Arrington was the defensive leader with 15 digs followed by Jade York and Knuckles with 13 each.

Yorktown coach Stephanie Bloom's outfit finished the season 38-2 and fell short of winning their third state title. The Tigers had played in Class 4A the previous two seasons and were back in the 3A final for the fifth time overall.

Audrey Shannon named Mental Attitude Award Winner 
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, named Audrey Shannon of Providence High School as the winner of the Class 3A Mental Attitude Award.

Audrey is a four year starter for the Pioneers, and the senior co-captain has helped lead the Pioneers to the state finals in each of her four seasons on the team. As a First Team All-State selection the past two years, she is on pace to set the single season record for digs at Providence High School.

Ranked number one academically in her graduating class, Audrey is an officer of her school’s National Honor Society. The valedictorian also commits a great deal of time to service work, as she volunteers at the Alzheimers Fundraising dinner and Leukemia Society’s fundraiser each year, is a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at her school and Parish, and also serves as a counselor for the New Albany Parks and Recreation during their summer camps.

Audrey is the daughter of Steve and Rosie Shannon of New Albany, IN. Next year, she will be attending Marshall University on a volleyball scholarship and plans to major in Engineering.

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 3A Volleyball, will donate $1,000 to Providence High School's general scholarship fund in the name of Audrey Shannon.