It’s the matchup that Wildcat fans and players have had circled since the very first official practice on Aug. 1. Tonight, Sept. 8, The volleyball team takes on perennial powerhouse Cathedral, in what should be a must see matchup. Both teams, are state powers currently in the IHSAA volleyball world with the Wildcats currently holding the number seven spot in the polls, and the Irish holding the top spot in all of class 4A volleyball.  Last season saw these two teams compete in two matches, in which the Irish dominated by a total score of 6 sets to none. Cathedral then went on to finish the season with an undefeated record of 36-0, and won their 7th IHSAA state championship. The Irish have shown some weaknesses though so far in 2016, they have already lost two matches, one to the top team in 3A in Providence, and one to the number 2 team in 4A in Crown Point.

This season the Wildcats have been a team to be reckoned with as they have gotten off to a hot start with a record of 8-3 so far. In the short season, the Cats have knocked off two ranked Indiana teams, in 3A number 8 Bishop Chatard and 4A number 17 Floyd Central. The Wildcats also notched a quality win on Aug. 20 when they took down Louisville Mercy, a Kentucky powerhouse.

Headlining the LN roster is a strong duo of seniors committed to play division I volleyball. Senior libero Maddie Cunningham, who is committed to play at Eastern Illinois, has shined so far this season as she has been a key component of the Wildcats success so far. Cunningham totaled 11 digs in a match Tuesday against Bishop Chatard. Senior Maddie Dean, another division I commit (IUPUI), has been a strong force for the Wildcats as they have progressed through the season so far. In the 3-0 win v.s. Chatard, Dean notched 13 kills which was the second highest LN total for the night. Also adding strength to the LN box score each night are three other division I commits in juniors Meg and Liz Beasley (Toledo) and junior Lauren Matthews (Western Kentucky).

The Wildcats will need a strong outing though to take down the Irish, who are also loaded with future division I players. Last season, Cathedral graduated 6 division I athletes, and this season a similar tale can be told as they currently feature 4 division I commits. Nia Robinson, a Northwestern commit, is a player to watch, as she ushered the Irish attack with 320 kills last season. The Irish also feature senior setter Maria Schorr who has committed to be a Flyer at the University of Dayton. Senior defensive specialists /liberos Payton White (Auburn) and Cassie Brooks (Evansville) round out the top players for Cathedral.