By MIKE MATHIS
WARSAW -- La Porte's talented JV tasted defeat for the first time Saturday, falling to Angola 25-17, 25-23, before bouncing back to claim the third-place match in the Warsaw Invite against the host Tigers, 25-17, 25-22.
Not listed on the roster, Hannah Joseph was a blacksmith with a thundering topspin jump serve and right-side attack contributions. In a 6-2 formation, Joseph set out of the back row, as did frosh Bella Meier, who will get more comfortable with her jump setting skills down the road. Both committed four hours per night three times per week to train with nationally recognized Boiler Juniors.
The Slicers' other main contributors were antelopes, including jumping jack middle sophomore Legacy Thomas and always smiling Madyson Dhoore. Thomas was impressive hitting high snap both right and left, while Dhoore had the best timing in the end. Pin attackers were Ellie Rosenbaum, Avalynn Holtz and Emalee Maesch, whose deceptive vertical allowed for extreme angle shots, both line and inside the 10-foot line. Allison Long hit outside, Kaeden Bornell was solid at Libero, with defensive contributions from Izzy Freese and Macey Kessler.
In the loss to Angola, La Porte got blitzed in game one after an early 6-6 tie. Responding with more fight in game two, the Slicers still couldn't get past coach's daughter Brea Harris and Mya Ball, who were both strong outside. Ball was outspoken, saying she plans on playing for Hugh McCutcheon at Minnesota three years from now. Ball's father Lloy, a four-time U.S. Olympian, was coached by McCutcheon in the 2008 Beijing Games, where the Americans claimed the gold medal.
In the championship, Angola (13-1) handed Bellmont its first loss, 25-23, 26-24 with 6-foot-4 clarinet player and Big Ten recruit Morgan Gaerte playing a sweet tune as the tournament MVP. She saved her powder for the Squaws.
Follow Mike Mathis at @mathis_m_g for the latest prep volleyball news in northern Indiana.
La Porte's JV volleyball team finished third in Saturday's Warsaw Invite with a 3-1 record. The Slicers are 13-1. (Photo by Mike Mathis)
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