HEBRON | A little adversity didn't get Hebron down in the championship match of the Porter County Conference tournament Saturday.
Morgan Twp. handed the Hawks their first set loss of the season to pull even, but Hebron (13-0) roared back to claim a 25-16, 18-25, 25-8, 25-19 victory and defend its title.
"I told the team, 'the streak is over, big deal,'" Hebron coach Kelly Dickensheets said. "Then they came back and beat them 25-8."
Junior Cody Artuso powered the Hawks with 22 kills.
"There's no greater feeling. It's unbelievable," Artuso said.
"It's phenomenal," added senior Michael Warren, who was named the mental attitude award winner. "We've worked so hard, and we've got a great coach."
Brandon Grubl registered 20 kills and Brandon Murphy added three solo blocks for Morgan Twp. (14-3).
"These kids have been playing for eight months," Dickensheets said of her team. "They didn't miss a beat, and you've got to give credit to the program."
In the semifinals, Hebron easily defeated LaCrosse in three sets, 25-12, 25-10, 25-9. Trey Biggs had seven aces for the Hawks, while Brad Stooksbury and Artuso added three kills each.
Sam Culver led the Tigers (4-10) with six kills. Alex Gorrell added four digs and five kills.
In the second semifinal, Morgan Twp. defeated Hanover Central in three sets, 25-14, 25-15, 25-10.
The Wildcats (7-6) were led by Nick Spangler, who had seven kills. Kevin Roper added 25 assists.
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