Springs Valley Community High School

The Springs Valley volleyball team traveled to Blue River Valley on Saturday to compete in the Class A Showdown. Pool play went well for the Blackhawks. They started the day with an exhilarating 25-23, 12-25, 15-8 victory over Indianapolis Lutheran that included a five-point run to win the first set after trailing 23-20. Maci Eckerty was superb against the Saints, recording one of the most productive performances of her career with 18 digs. The Blackhawks played the host Blue River Valley Vikings in their second match of pool play 25-16, 25-15. Maddie Carnes led the way in that victory with a strong all-around performance. The junior had 14 assists, 13 digs, 10 kills, and three aces. In the third match Springs Valley beat Morristown 25-14, 25-13. Carnes was excellent in that one as well, going for a team-high 11 kills while also having 17 assists, eight digs, and two aces. By winning their pool the Blackhawks earned the opportunity to compete for the championship with Class 2A No. 4 Southwood. Springs Valley couldn't capitalize on their opportunity to take down the reigning state champions, losing 25-10, 25-19. Eckerty was very active in the back row against Southwood's high-powered hitters, making 13 serve-receive passes and digging up eight attacks. Springs Valley (19-4, 4-0 PLAC) hoped to defend its back-to-back championships at the event, but even finishing second at a prestigious event like the Class A Showdown is something that eluded the Blackhawks up until just a few years ago. They'll try to bounce back from the final loss on Tuesday when they host Loogootee. That will be the first half of a big week in which they also host county rival Paoli on Thursday.