Columbus East High School

MADISON — The Columbus East volleyball team experienced a day of mixed results at Madison High School on Saturday, finishing with a 2-2 record at the 44th Annual Madison Invitational. Columbus East got off to a clean start by winning its first two matches in straight sets. The Olympians opened tournament play with a 25-19, 25-18 victory over South Dearborn before following up with a 25-16, 25-20 win against Rock Creek Academy. The momentum shifted in the afternoon as the Olympians struggled to keep pace in their final two contests. Columbus East dropped a two-set match to Christian Academy of Indiana by identical 25-21 scores, then fell to host Madison 25-21, 25-14 in the final round of the day. Several players put together solid individual performances throughout the four matches. Addy Dean led the offense with 32 kills, while adding six service aces and three blocks. Emma Armstrong contributed 16 kills and four blocks, while Riley Hawley added 12 kills along with a team-high six blocks. Playmaking duties were split between Jillian Chapple, who recorded 39 assists and three blocks, and Kenlee Gault, who distributed 22 assists. On defense, Kadence Miller paced the back line with 27 digs and eight aces. Ava Tartt provided 17 digs and four aces, while Shelby Watkins added 14 digs to round out the team effort. The Olympians will finally get to play at home this week in the Orange Pit with a busy slate ahead. Columbus East hosts home games on three consecutive nights, beginning Monday, August 31st, against the Shelbyville Golden Bears. That opener is followed by back-to-back matchups against HHC opponents, as the Olympians host the Jennings County Panthers on Tuesday, September 1st, and the Jeffersonville Red Devils on Wednesday, September 2nd.