Columbus East High School

Columbus, IN - The Columbus East girls volleyball team welcomed a formidable Hoosier Hills Conference opponent to the Orange Pit on Thursday night, battling the Class 4A 10th-ranked Floyd Central Highlanders. With a potential share of the conference championship hanging in the balance, the Olympians gave a spirited effort but were ultimately swept in three sets (25-11, 25-19, 25-15). Floyd Central set a fast pace early in the opening frame, placing the home team on defense right out of the gate. Columbus East found higher energy midway through the second set, mounting a strong rally to narrow the score to 23-19 before the Highlanders managed to secure the final points. The third set remained tight through the opening rotation, with the Olympians keeping the margin to 12-9 before Floyd Central launched a decisive run to close out the match. Defensively and offensively, several Olympians delivered strong statistical lines throughout the evening. Addy Dean anchored the net and backcourt with four kills, two blocks, and eight digs, while Ava Tartt matched the attack with four kills and nine digs. Cadence Smith and Emma Armstrong chipped in three kills apiece. Playmaking duties were led by Jillian Chapple with seven assists, accompanied by Kenlee Gault’s four assists and an ace. Kadence Miller spearheaded the defensive backline with a team-leading 14 digs while also contributing three assists, and Smith added an ace from the server's stripe. Columbus East will look to rebound quickly as they prepare for a busy weekend tournament on the road. The Olympians head to Martinsville, Indiana, to compete in the Artesian Classic. Tournament action kicks off at 9:00 a.m., where Columbus East will test their skills against a competitive field that includes Bloomington North, Jasper, North Decatur, North Central, Terre Haute South, and the host Martinsville squad.