Cubs, Trojans in final: Can Center Grove get even in volleyball sectional title match?

When Franklin wrested the Johnson County Volleyball Tournament title from 16-time winner Center Grove earlier this season, the Trojans hoped a chance for payback might await them down the road.

Circle the calendar. That time arrives at 10 a.m. Saturday, when the defending Class 4A sectional champion Grizzly Cubs host Center Grove for the sectional title.

“We’re ready,” said senior outside hitter Lauren Mroz, who powered the Trojans (16-13) to a four-game win against Greenwood, 20-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-12.

Certainly, this is a better Center Grove team than lost to Franklin in the county championship and an earlier regular-season match. First-year coach Dana Daprile said she was pleased with the focus shown to finish off the Woodmen behind Mroz and a starting front line that averages more than 6-feet tall.

“She’s playing like a senior,” the coach said, adding that her team has been looking forward to a rematch with the Cubs. “We’re ready and we’ll see.”

Franklin (26-8) set up the title match with a three-game win against feisty Whiteland in Thursday’s nightcap, 25-10, 25-11, 25-20. The Warriors made the Cubs work, especially in a spirited third game that Whiteland made repeated saves and digs to keep the ball alive.

“All year, we have been battling and not giving up,” first-year Whiteland coach Cheneta Morrison said. “I think they wanted to make a statement going out and set a tone for next year that said we’re going to build on this and were not going to give up ever.”

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