INDIANAPOLIS — There weren't many tears from the Heritage Christian players as they stood along the end line, watching as Benton Central was recognized for its 3-1 (25-5, 14-25, 25-19, 25-21) victory in Saturday's Class 2A state championship match.
But there were a few soft smiles and, more than anything, perspective on what the team had achieved.
It's upsetting to lose, senior setter Bethany Ring acknowledged, but there was also recognition of what this team accomplished in reaching this point of the season, and the grit, the unity required to get there.
"It's definitely not the way we wanted it to end, but I mean, obviously, it's the second-best way to end," Mensch added, smiling. "We're going to remember how we felt, win or lose, it was just a great experience. We're all really grateful."
The Eagles' 2026 campaign was all about exceeding expectations.
A team with only three returning starters, they leaned on those seniors — Mensch, Ring and middle hitter Kenley Mitchell — to guide the ship and help build up the rest of the lineup, one which included freshman libero Addie Mayer and junior middle Quinn Ralston, who only started playing two years ago.
A runner-up finish at the City...