HOPE — Class A No. 12 Hauser won its 10th consecutive volleyball sectional title on Saturday, and Shelby Fugate has played a big part in the success.
Fugate and the rest of Jets squad hope to capture their fourth regional title in five years when they play in the Morristown Regional semifinal match against International at noon on Saturday. Eighth-ranked Bloomfield and Indianapolis Lutheran will meet in the first semifinal match at 10 a.m. Saturday, and the championship will be at 7 p.m..
"Team-wise, I believe we turned out really well," Fugate said. "We knew that this team was still going to be pretty good having everyone return besides one senior, so we knew we were going to be a lot more consistent and be able to defeat our opponents last year that we couldn’t defeat. Our record is a lot better, and I feel like we are a lot better than last year."
A team captain this season, Fugate has played on the varsity team the last three years.
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"Her leadership in a big way is mature for her age. She’s very focused and purposeful at what she does," Hauser coach Jeff Case said. "She’s a great student. She always works hard. Even in practice, she’s one of those that’s focused and not goofing off, so that leadership is pretty big. It means a lot to her because she is invested in it.
"She doesn’t portray herself as a victim and doesn’t look for the easy way out. She doesn’t pass blame on others. She steps up and is very accountable for herself. She works hard and enjoys the game. She’s a competitive person, and that really drives her, and she’s just a great kind of kid that you want on your team," Case added.
Fugate is in a rare class, playing three sports for the Jets. She also plays basketball and softball and has won sectional titles in softball and volleyball.
Having to play three different sports, as well as an academic workload in the classroom, can be time consuming for a lot of students, but Fugate says she loves the challenge.
"It keeps me in shape, and I’m really conditioned in all three sports, so that’s good. I don’t have to take a break between each sport," Fugate said. "It’s hard after volleyball season since we go so deep into the postseason, basketball is already starting. The first scrimmage game is Nov. 1, and I won’t get to play in it if we keep going. Inbetween basketball season and softball season, there’s more of a break for conditioning, which is nice."
Fugate began playing volleyball as a freshman, she started playing basketball in the fifth grade and started softball when she was 4 years old. She enjoys playing in those three sports, but never expected to be hooked on the latest sport that she tried.
"I love them all, but I love volleyball. Volleyball is by far my favorite sport. The love that I gained for it has been amazing," Fugate said.
Fugate likely won’t pursue sports in college and wants to focus on her academics. She plans to attend Indiana University, go into the Kelley School of Business and pursue a career as a financial analyst.
Whether her volleyball season ends Saturday or at next week’s semistate or at the state finals on Nov. 9, Fugate says she’s enjoyed her time with the program.
"I’m glad to see where I am. I’m glad to have come so far," Fugate said. "It’s really nice to have accomplished a lot. I’m a captain for all three teams, so it’s nice to be a leader for them."
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Morristown Regional
Saturday
10 a.m.: Bloomfield (24-5) vs. Indianapolis Lutheran (10-21)
Noon: Hauser (26-7) vs. International (6-11)
7 p.m.: Championship
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