The Lady Royals are on a mission in 2024, aiming for their season to end at Ball State with a Class 3A state championship victory. After falling in the semi-state to Castle last year, they’re determined to reclaim the spotlight in the coming weeks. Though the road will be challenging, the Royals enter the final stages of the IHSAA state tournament as favorites.
Roncalli stands at 32-0, an undefeated record marked by dominance—they’ve dropped only five sets all season. They lost two sets to Tri-West, two to Center Grove (across two matches), and one to Cathedral, showcasing a season of sheer strength and consistency.
The Royals’ impressive run is led by standout players, beginning with senior Logan Bell, an Oregon commit. Bell, an outside hitter, has recorded 68 service aces and 289 kills this season. Senior Eva Hurrle, committed to DePaul, continues her career as a reliable defensive specialist, averaging over 2.2 digs per set, with 50 service aces and 200 digs. Raegan Turk, a 5’6″ junior and West Virginia commit, shines as the libero, logging 287 receptions and 277 digs. Mackenzie Kruer, a 6-foot Michigan State soccer commit, boasts a team-leading .404 hitting percentage. Junior Lydia Stahley, a Missouri commit, leads with 3.9 kills per set and a team-high 360 kills.
Calling this team talented would be an understatement. The Royals breezed through sectionals and defeated Northview 3-0 this past Saturday. They’ll face Jennings County in the first round of the 3A south semi-state on Saturday. A likely rematch with Tri-West Hendricks looms if they advance. Notably, Tri-West is the only team to win more than one set against Roncalli this season, making for a potentially thrilling matchup with a state championship berth on the line.
The Lady Royals, state champions in 1981, 1998, and 2006, are ready to finish what they started and add 2024 to their record. Saturday’s match at Columbus East promises must-see volleyball as they pursue redemption after last year’s disappointing finish.