FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2025 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP PREVIEW Class 2A IHSAA Volleyball State Finals #3 Benton Central (27-5) vs. #1 Barr-Reeve (32-5) Saturday, November 8 | 1:30 PM ET | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Streaming Live at IHSAAtv.org Oxford, IN – The Benton Central Lady Bison are headed to uncharted territory this weekend as they make their first-ever appearance in the IHSAA State Volleyball Finals, taking on perennial powerhouse Barr-Reeve in the Class 2A State Championship Match at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis. Under head coach Scott Mattson (117-16 in four seasons), Benton Central (27-5) rides a 14-match win streak into the finals, capturing their first sectional, regional, and semi-state titles in program history. The Bison have swept 10 of their last 14 opponents, including impressive tournament wins over #2 Southwood (3-2) and #9 South Adams (3-0) at the Peru Semi-State. Led by senior standout Calista Foster (365 kills), junior setter Madison Minniear (654 assists), senior libero Bella Widmer (374 digs), and junior middle hitter Rhyan Deno (34 blocks), Benton Central boasts a balanced attack and relentless defense that has defined their postseason run. The Bison also claimed their Fourth Consecutive Hoosier Conference Tournament Championship earlier this season. Their opponent, Barr-Reeve (32-5), is no stranger to the big stage. The top-ranked Vikings, guided by head coach Tyler Schultheis (87-21, 3rd year), seek their fourth volleyball state title and second in Class 2A (2020). Barr-Reeve has dominated this year’s tournament, sweeping all six postseason opponents without dropping a set, including a decisive regional win over #4 Tecumseh and a semi-state sweep of Triton Central. Barr-Reeve features an explosive lineup led by Joslyn Knepp (342 kills, 77 blocks), Hallie Knepp (996 assists), and Lora Graber (401 digs). The Vikings enter Saturday’s match with six straight victories and a reputation for power and efficiency — hitting at a .370 clip compared to Benton Central’s .301 team percentage. This championship marks a clash between tradition and breakthrough — a Barr-Reeve program seeking another banner for its storied volleyball legacy and a Benton Central team striving to bring home the first-ever IHSAA State Championship in any sport for the Oxford-based school. Match Details: 📍 Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis 🎟️ Tickets: $20 General Admission - Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.com/ihsaa-girls-volleyball-state-finals-indianapolis-indiana-11-08-2025/event/05006339C8E74CE3 📺 Stream: IHSAAtv.org (Pay-per-view $20 per match / $25 for all matches) 📣 Social Media: @IHSAA1 | Hashtags: #IHSAA #ThisIsYourIHSAA