Seven is the lucky number for Lake Central this season.
Not only is this coach Tina Tinberg’s seventh season, but the Indians boast seven seniors on the roster.
The seniors’ talents were on display Thursday night when LC opened Duneland Athletic Conference play in impressive style with a convincing, 25-16, 25-12, 26-24 win over Chesterton.
Senior middle hitter Tori Gardenhire recorded a team-high 15 kills and 12 digs, while senior outside hitter Sam Anderson tallied 15 digs, seven kills and two aces. Senior setter Stephanie Spigolon finished a perfect 54-for-54 setting with 23 assists for LC (8-1, 1-0).
Munster and Valparaiso have been getting the notoriety this season with Division I talent on the two teams. But Lake Central should not be overlooked.
“Right now, we’re clicking on all fronts. This group of seniors is pretty special,” Tinberg said. “This season is all about no missed opportunities, no excuses and no regrets.
“These kids have played together — at least three or four of them — since they were 12 and 13 years old and their chemistry speaks volumes. Their maturity is so impressive. They don’t panic, they stay composed, they work out of adverse situations, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished thus far.”
Lake Central was coming off an impressive three-game sweep Tuesday over Munster.
Senior middle hitter Jackie Eader, who recorded five aces, three kills and a block kill, said Thursday’s win was special because of their heart-breaking five-game loss in sectionals last season.
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“This was a big win because we want to clinch the DAC,” Eader said of beating Chesterton. “But our goal is we want to go out and beat Munster this season in sectionals. Last season was heartbreaking because we all wanted it so bad and we felt like it was stolen from us.
“We’re off to a great start. I think the chemistry was working again.”
Tinberg said her team came out focused and didn’t look past the Trojans.
“You are only as good as your last time out on the court,” she said. “We have to create that defense-minded culture for sure, and offensively when we are in system, we have a ton of weapons.
“The DAC is an amazing conference. It could be a battle between four and five teams and you have to come out sharp every night. LaPorte is going to be fiesty, Crown Point has weapons, and (Chesterton coach) TR (Harlan) always puts a solid team together. It’s a good conference to be battling in because it prepares us all for the postseason.”
Ryan Haskell is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.