By Nathan Pace
Southsider Voice Web Editor

The Whiteland Warriors had no answer for the Center Grove defense as the Trojans cruised to 37-0 win at home. Center Grove moves to 2-0 while Whiteland drops to 1-1. See video and photos of the game below.

CENTER GROVE (29-4) – 6-4 Ali Line (Illinois State University), 426 kills, 90 blocks, 222 digs, and Regan Wentland (basketball at Indiana State University), 194 kills, are gone …  returning five seniors could wind up holding state championship trophy this time … Trojans return with at least two Division 1 recruits … 6-3 senior Madison Smeathers (Ohio State), 400 kills, 105 blocks, is a four-year all-position player, savvy and aggressive and 5-11 setter Taylor Hammill (Auburn) (1,106 assists, 52 aces), 6-4 middle blocker Tonia Rumble, outside hitter Malea Howie and defensive specialist Lindsey Archer provide plenty of court savvy …  junior Macy Carrabine (623 returns, 66 aces) anchors back line … depth comes from sophomores Devynn Merriman, Emma Jones, Ellen LeMasters and Gabby Pugliese … CG becomes bona fide state threat once young players catch on … fourth-year coach Dana (Daprile)  Matis likes team’s overall experience … Trojans journey to Yorktown for 9 a.m. tournament Saturday.

Matis’ comments: “We return five of seven starters from last year’s team, and we have a strong sophomore class that gained some varsity experience. This is the biggest senior class I’ve had since coaching here. Those five bring us a lot of experience. They know what’s expected of them, and they know the demands to be able to improve and reach the next level. Smeathers can be a dominant force on the front row. Seniors have done a good job so far of stepping up. We want to keep improving each day and never, never become complacent.”