Published: November 07, 2009 11:59 pm      

VOLLEYBALL: Brebeuf overpowers Silver Creek in 3A state semifinal

MUNCIE — After 14 straight wins, Silver Creek’s late-season streak came to an halt at the state finals at the hands of Class 3A’s second-ranked team on Saturday.

Indianapolis Brebeuf had huge runs late in each of the three sets and defeated the Dragons, 25-11, 25-14, 25-4 to advance to the state championship — where the Braves (34-1) defeated Yorktown to win the state title.

In each of the first two sets, the Dragons led early, 4-3 in the first and 11-10 in the second, but couldn’t hang on in either.

In the final set, the Braves scored the match’s final 12 points.

“We had a lot of energy those first two games. I said, ‘You guys are competing with the No. 10 team in the nation.’ In the third set, I think we lost a little confidence.”

In the 13-point game-ending run, Brebeuf had six aces.

“I thought we would show more heart and compete. We kind of gave up. To give up 13 straight points, that’s kind of disappointing,” Zimmerman said of the third set.

“Once they score a few points we got down on ourselves and we never recovered from it,” senior LeAnn Osterhoudt said.

It was the final game for Osterhoudt, Brittany Rayborn, Mollie Hamilton and Shirley Jones. Osterhoudt led Silver Creek with five kills and nine digs. She was one of five Dragons with five kills. Hamilton, Rayborn, Haley Garr and Kristyn Maymon were the other.

“I loved the experience. I’d do it all over again,” Osterhoudt said. “I’m so proud of my team.”

Despite losing the four seniors, Zimmerman said he believes going to state finals will become a habit for the Silver Creek program.

“That’s our plan. From here on out, our goal is to get to the state finals,” he said. “It’s pretty exciting stuff. We’re really excited about next year.”

Even though she won’t be with the Dragons anymore, Osterhoudt wants to see continued success for the Silver Creek program.

“I hope they continue to state every year and Silver Creek will win a state title,” she said. “It’s coming soon. I can feel it.”