By Eric Eaton
Staff Writer

FRANKLIN – Undefeated defending state champion Indianapolis Cathedral put on an awesome display of power and athleticism May 24 at Franklin High School, easily defeating second-ranked Center Grove by scores of 25-16, 25-22, and 25-16 to capture its second consecutive Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches Association state championship.

(Catch the archives of the semifinal and championship webcasts by clicking here!)

Cathedral junior Rob Schick showed off his power in the opening game of the championship match by contributing seven kills, many of which were slammed to the floor with extreme velocity as the top-ranked Fighting Irish took the opening game from Center Grove by nine points.

Game 2 was much more competitive. Cathedral appeared to lose its machine-like rhythm at times, and Center Grove was able to hang around in the game. Cathedral’s superior depth eventually took control, however, and the Irish prevailed 25-22 to take a commanding lead in the state finals match.

All told, Cathedral had seven different players register kills during the decisive second game.

Game 3 could best be described as “The Patrick O’Conner Show.” The 6’5” middle hitter showed off his incredible athleticism and agility during the third game, recording eight kills and helping the Irish recover from a small early deficit to seal the championship with another nine-point victory.

On multiple occasions during the third game, O’Conner was able to miraculously come up with a kill even when it appeared that he was out of position to do so.

With the win, Cathedral has now captured six of the last eight IBVCA state crowns. The Fighting Irish, who have won a total of seven state titles under coach Rhonda Low, have appeared in the state championship match each of the last eight seasons.

The last two seasons, though, have been particularly amazing as the Irish have amassed an incredible two-year record of 81-0. The last time someone defeated Cathedral in boys volleyball came in the 2006 championship match, which Center Grove won in four games.
 
Center Grove, which finishes the ’08 season with a 27-7 record, has now participated in the state title match three consecutive seasons.

Here’s a look at the results from all seven matches of the 2008 state finals:

Quarterfinals
No. 1 seed #1 Indianapolis Cathedral def. No. 8 seed Wapahani 25-9, 25-13, 25-6
No. 4 seed #4 Franklin Community def. No. 5 seed #5 Lawrence North 25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-12

No. 2 seed #2 Center Grove def. No. 7 seed #9 Carmel 25-22, 25-16, 25-12
No. 3 seed #8 Wheeler def. No. 6 seed #3 Hebron 25-18, 25-19, 25-14

Semifinals
#1 Indianapolis Cathedral def. #4 Franklin Community 25-15, 25-21, 25-15
#2 Center Grove def. #8 Wheeler 25-23, 25-16, 25-19

Championship
#1 Cathedral def. #2 Center Grove 25-16, 25-22, 25-16

The 2008 All-Tournament Team:

Chancelor Mills, Wapahani
Steven Van Hoorde, Carmel
David Ortiz, Hebron
Mitch Gerow, Lawrence North
Travis Gabehart, Franklin Community
Lendl Altaras, Wheeler
Ryan Kramer, Center Grove
Grant Lemons, Center Grove
Patrick O’Conner, Cathedral
Tommy Rouse, Cathedral
Tyler McClure, Cathedral (Mel Young MVP)

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