Bloomington South to Face Columbus East in Regional Match

The volleyball team seeks its first regional title since 1977 this Thursday at Bloomington North.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Volleyball

Expressive sports illustration of a volleyball player mid-air, capturing the energy of a championship regional match. — Bloomington South competes against Columbus East in a high-stakes regional volleyball match this Thursday at Bloomington North. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bloomington South is set to play Columbus East in a regional volleyball match on October 24, 2026. The program aims to secure its first regional championship in nearly five decades.

Why it matters

Winning this regional match is a critical step for the program as it attempts to end a title drought stretching back to 1977. Success here would move the team to the semi-state round against Center Grove.

Bloomington South enters the match with 56 total wins over two seasons, including 2,251 kills and 2,413 digs. Over that same period, the team recorded 667 aces and 301 blocks.

The players

Bloomington South

The high school volleyball program is based in Bloomington and is currently coached by Emma Abplanalp.

Emma Abplanalp

She has served as the head coach for the Bloomington South volleyball program for the past three years.

Everly Clark

She is a key player for Bloomington South with 644 kills, 163 aces, 73 blocks, and 493 digs.

Quinn Reynolds

She is a standout contributor for the team recording 570 kills, 111 aces, 125 blocks, and 429 digs.

Columbus East

The opposing high school volleyball team enters the regional contest with a season record of 14 wins and 16 losses.

The details

Coach Emma Abplanalp has led the team to a 28-2 record this season by prioritizing collective performance over individual metrics. The team utilizes a 6-2 offensive formation, anchored by players like Everly Clark and Quinn Reynolds.

The regional match against Columbus East is scheduled for October 24, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Bloomington South last won a regional title in 1977.

Season Trajectory

This regional match serves as a pivotal moment in Bloomington South's season as it attempts to break a decades-long regional title drought. A win would significantly shift the team's postseason trajectory by advancing them to a semi-state clash against Center Grove.

The winner of this match advances to the semi-state round to face Center Grove. Fans can monitor the final result to determine the full bracket for the next stage of the regional playoffs.

The takeaway

The team's consistent success over the past two years relies heavily on its 6-2 offensive structure and balanced, team-first approach. These organizational habits remain the primary factors determining their ability to finally move past the 1977 championship drought.