The Korean boy band phenom BTS once had a song that went, “Smooth like butter.” The Loogootee Lions were smooth and silky today, just like butter, on their way to winning a Regional Volleyball Title for the first time since the 2020 season.
The Lady Lions nearly cruised past Shakamak High School, but it was a challenge. It wasn’t all smooth, but the plays by Junior, Alania Diamond, and Freshmen Lydia Hawkins and Haylo Harmon led this team to a promised land.
The weeks of hype around the school and the community reigned supreme as the student section watched the Lions win their first regional title in five years in five sets.
The Loogootee Lions won 3-1: 28-26 (Loogootee), 25-20 (Shakamak), 25-14 (Loogootee), 26-24 (Loogootee).
Once the team was tied one set to one, Alania Diamond made a play the Lions would not forget. Grabbing the ball on the left side near the net, crossing her body to get the deflection, and putting the ball right near the volleyball line in the fourth set to make the game tied at 22 all.
From there, the rest was history as the Lions found a groove after being tied only once, then took advantage of the rest of the game to win their first regional title in five years.
A heavy celebration took place on the floor of Jack Butcher Arena, as coach Haley Cummins, who never thought she would get here, said she had hope and belief that this team could do it, hugging friends and family on the floor.
Diamond spoke on the radio and addressed the nerves she had, which “upset her stomach” as she told Alan Williams on RAZOR 94.5 FM after the game as the team posed for pictures with students, friends, coaches, and family.
The belief the Lions have had since starting the tradition of celebrating each week, and making every week a celebration, is paying off as the rally cries inside the hall seem smoother than ever.
The Lions will be paired with an opponent on Sunday afternoon when the IHSAA Semi-State schedule airs tomorrow. As of now, the Semi-State opponent and location remain unknown.
Tonight, we have one more Regional matchup as Tecumseh High School meets with Barr Reeve High School at the final Regional game in Loogootee for the volleyball season at 4 p.m. this afternoon at Jack Butcher Arena.
We will keep you updated on the latest from the Loogootee Lions Volleyball Road to the State Championship in Indianapolis on our Facebook page. Twitter, Instagram, and on our website at www.loogooteetimes.com for all of the latest news and information. Ticket sales can be found on the Loogootee High School’s main athletic website or by visiting the athletic director’s main office.
For further information about the Lions or any other IHSAA Semi-State coverage, you can go to ihsaa.org for even more information about this and other Semi-State and sporting action across the IHSAA.