The Wabash Valley Warriors, a local homeschool sports program, had a big day on the volleyball court Saturday as three of their girls teams traveled to Indianapolis to compete in the Indianapolis Invitational alongside 50 other teams.

The Warriors’ Varsity team finished an impressive 11th overall, while the JV team battled their way to an 18th-place finish.

A lack of nearby elementary age competition, meant the youngest Warriors have spent much of their season playing against Junior High teams. Through their first five games, they had yet to win a single set, although they continued to fight, coming as close as 24-25.

Saturday gave them their first opportunity of the season to compete against teams in their own age group, and they made the most of it.

The Elementary Warriors battled their way through the tournament and earned a spot in the championship match against the LCHA Royals. When the final point was played, the Warriors walked away as champions, finishing first in their division.

For a team that had spent the season learning, fighting and competing against older players, the championship was a remarkable turn around and a testament to the determination of these young athletes.

The future of volleyball in Terre Haute continues to look bright, and the Wabash Valley Warriors’ youngest players just gave the community another reason to be excited about what’s ahead.