By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Holy Cross defeated Louisville Presentation, 25-18, 25-23, in the championship final of the All “A” Classic state volleyball tournament on Saturday at Eastern Kentucky University.
The Indians were making their first appearance in the small school state tournament since claiming the 2011 title. They won three matches in pool play on Friday and three matches in the single-elimination championship bracket on Saturday to run their season record to 17-2.
In the opening match on Saturday, Holy Cross got by Walton-Verona, 25-15, 29-27. The Indians faced Owensboro Catholic in the semifinals and came away with a 14-25, 25-16, 30-28 victory to reach the final.
Holy Cross senior setter Torie Houston was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Four of her teammates — Torri Wurtz, Allyson Ehlman, Julia Hunt and Paige Branum — were on the all-tournament team.
This is the 10th consecutive year that the 9th Region champion has played in the All “A” Classic state final. During that run, St. Henry had a 5-1 record in championship matches, followed by Holy Cross (2-1) and Beechwood (0-1).
Brossart, the 10th Region champion, was runner-up in the consolation bracket for teams that placed third and fourth in pool play.