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November 3, 2009

Stutsman has Floyd set up for state run

Senior star draws high praise from teammates, opponents

BY GREG MENGELT

Floyd Central will be making its third straight trip to the volleyball state finals on Saturday.

And it is likely no coincidence that the Highlanders’ recent dominance has coincided with the career of Melanie Stutsman.

For the past three seasons, Stutsman has been one of Indiana’s best setters.

Just ask anyone who has the task of coaching against her.

“She makes (Floyd Central) good,” Northview coach Scott McDonald said on Saturday after watching his team lose to the Highlanders in the semifinal of the Class 4A Seymour Regional. “It doesn’t matter if they’re in system or not — she’ll put the ball where they can hit it. “I had heard some stuff on her, but she’s the better setter I’ve ever seen, and that’s being around volleyball for 25 years. She never put one ball where they couldn’t get a swing on it.”

McDonald’s comment came after watching Stutsman post 25 assists, 12 digs, six kills, three aces and a block. In the regional championship, Stutsman followed up that performance with another 25 assists, 10 kills, nine blocks and five digs in the Highlanders’ 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 championship win over Columbus East.

“If there was a Miss Volleyball (award), she’d win it,” McDonald continued. She’s the real deal and if there’s a better setter anywhere in the country, I’d like to see her.”

It’s not only opponents who have come to appreciate Stutsman’s talents. Her coaches and teammates understand that without her, they likely are not in position to win Floyd Central’s first volleyball state title on Saturday.

“She’s awesome. No matter where the ball comes to her, she knows what to do with it,” junior Jennifer Smith said.

“She’s amazing,” senior Laura Der concurred. “It makes everything easier knowing that she’s there and she’s going to get the ball to the perfect spot for our hitters.”

Stutsman’s 9.1 assists per set may grab headlines but it really is just one example of her all-around game.

She also leads the Highlanders with a 53.9 kill percentage, is tops with 60 aces and is third on the team with 32 blocks. She also has 201 digs.

“She’s a 5-tool player,” McDonald said. “She can serve, dig and hit if she needs to. She’s a weapon, and that’s something not a lot of teams can match up with.”

“She can block, she can play defense,” Smith added. “She can do anything. We can always count on her.”

Floyd Central coach Bart Powell said Stutsman is the “best player I’ve ever coached,” and he is hoping it will be good enough for two more wins and a state championship on Saturday.

“We’re spoiled. We’re definitely spoiled,” Powell said. “Hopefully, she’ll spoil us two more times.”

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