It’s human nature to look at a team’s won-loss record and immediately form an opinion regarding its postseason lifespan.
In the case of Center Grove, do so at your own risk.
On Saturday, the Trojans picked up their 34th sectional championship, rallying to defeat host Bloomington South in the semifinal 23-25, 25-13, 25-20, 25-22, and returning at night to down Bloomington North in the final 25-16, 25-18, 25-17.
Now 19-15, Center Grove faces Floyd Central (28-6) in an 11 a.m. semifinal this coming Saturday at the Bloomington North Regional. The second match features Columbus East (20-12) and Class 4A No. 10 Castle (31-4).
The Trojans opened the season in mid-August against Castle, losing 25-17, 21-25, 15-10 at the Providence Kickoff Classic.
Maybe not the best gauge, considering Center Grove has spent the past two months maturing as a unit and defining roles after graduating 60% of its kill total from the 2021 season.
“I’ve told our players to be ready for mid-October,” second-year coach Jennifer Hawk said. “Really, it’s varied all year who has led us in kills. You really don’t know on a daily basis who it’s going to be, which is a good perk for us.”
In Saturday’s semifinal defeat of Bloomington South, senior outside hitter Alana Aucremanne led the way with 18 kills. Sophomore Ellen Zapp had 15, while junior Sophie Sabol added 12.
Another soph, 6-foot-3 middle hitter Reese Dunkle, paced Center Grove’s effort in the nightcap with 12 kills. Aucremanne chipped in 10.
Center Grove, which has won eight consecutive sectional titles, seeks its first regional crown since 2019.
“I think (regional) is pretty wide open. Anybody could do great things,” Hawk said. “Our record isn’t great, but of our last 16 matches, we’re 12-4. We’re figuring it out at the right time, which is what you ask for.”
