Disappointing losses to Carmel and Cathedral have slowed the Braves, but with Marion County coming up the Braves started to get back on the right track. The undefeated streak is up to four games. The defense is led by seniors, Drew Bevelhimer and Alec Kersteff have locked down the back lately, and hope to do the same this weekend. One was played this weakend against national powerhouse St. Xavier. As of Thusday, St. Xavier was undefeated and ranked number two in the nation.

Remembering last year’s run, the team will try to emulate that as postseason starts next week. Losing in the Marion County championship last year, the team will try to avenge that loss.

Girls Soccer

National powerhouse, that is one way to describe the Brebeuf girls soccer team. The girls’ soccer team started the season incredibly and continues to impress many. Coming off an undefeated season, except for the loss to Carmel in regionals last year, the soccer team looked to build off of the momentum from last season. Senior, Shaili Kumar and juniors, Ryanne Brown and Alia Martin have scored the majority of the goals for the Braves. Currently, Alia is also the assists leader for the Braves. It seems as if the winner of the Brebeuf against Carmel regional game will likely go on to win the state championship.

The Braves started unbeaten until a last minute no-call against Carmel cost the Braves their first game. The Braves only other non-win on the year, is a tie against twelfth ranked Cathedral. With few games left in the regular season, state is the expectation.

Boys Tennis

The Braves have started the season with an impressive record of 4-4 because of the tough schedule that they have played so far. Due to the strong performance the Braves, they are ranked number eleven in the state. The number one singles player for the Braves is Shivam Bhargava, while Mitchell Horn and Kevin Strenski are the number one doubles pair. Shivam received the first place trophy individually after getting first place in the North Central Invite.

Other members of the team that make large impacts on varsity are sophomore Jack Kite and senior Elliot Moore. When asked about his thoughts on the season so far, he said, “Despite some tough losses at the beginning of the year, we should win most of our matches in the middle and toward the end of the season. As a senior, the potential of my career ending gets greater as we make a run in the tournament.” As Elliot said, the Braves hope to make a major run upsetting teams in the tournament. The Braves look to win more games and potentially make it far in the tournament as a team as well as individuals making it far in the tournament.

Football

Despite losing the opening game, the Braves have bounced back picking up key wins. The Braves have really look different than in the past. Changes to the backfield have led the team to pass more, and open up the field.

The Braves have a few players that look to help their college looks by having big years. One of them is Drew Bevelhimer. Drew has lead the team in scoring in both of the team’s losses, and has been far more accurate this year. The team suffered a big loss to Zionsville. The Braves have also had many injuries throughout the year from senior Deshon Blakely getting injured week one, to Iffert and senior Will Gunderson leaving the Zionsville game with concussions. Jet McGown and Noah Delumpa have both averaged just over three yards per carry.

The Defense this year has been led by, senior defensive end, Gerard Carthy. Carthy has given opposing offensive lines problems all year. The Braves defense has put up great performances most weeks, allowing two touchdowns or less in three out of five games. The secondary has been solid with four interceptions and not allowing much of a passing game. Senior Dillon Bennett says the success of the secondary is due to “accountability, urgency, nastiness, and tackling. Since June we have made it our goal to implement these characteristics in our defense.” Swarming opponents Andy Ingram has over thirty-five tackles for loss, and has caused other teams problems.

The Braves have rival Guerin coming up this week, and should be ready for a physical game. A win could change the season, and give the Braves momentum before a monumental game against 6a powerhouse Cathedral later this year.

Boys Cross Country

State, that is the goal for this years team. The Braves are coming off one of their best seasons in school history. While losing Zach Snider will lower the chances for this team, they have said they believe in the goal. The Braves have finished in the top three twice this year and have multiple finishes just outside.

Senior David Coffee told the paper that he hopes to do well individually this year and as a team. They have a lot of younger athletes this year, that could help make a difference. Junior, Matt Fink has been one of the Braves best runners this year, and has had a great start to what we hope will be a great career at Brebeuf. For more on the boys cross country season look at the athlete spotlight on David Coffee.

Girls Cross Country

It is early but the Braves are ready to hit the ground running, literally. Sophomore Mikayla Gallagher had an outstanding freshmen year, and will have high expectations. The girls are coming off a very successful season.

Coach Klinger explained how “The blend of talent with leadership brought by the captains” is what separates this team from others he has coached. Seniors Izzy Detherage, Sophia Vander Kooy, Caroline Gardner, Susan Fisher, and Claire Lies have brought good leadership to a team that has become a common contender in cross country. “The way they build their teammates, and their ability to get others to commit is very impressive.” Klinger said when talking about the leadership. Competition separates cross country from most sports at Brebeuf as there are no classes, so the Braves must face the best in the state.

Mikayla finished runner up at the All-Catholic event. She broke nineteen minutes, which is a mark only two others in Brebeuf history have achieved. Kate Ricks freshmen is also running well breaking 20 minutes joining elite company in Brebeuf history as only a freshmen. The girls also finished second in their division at flash rock. The team hopes to continue the success and culture they have built through the end of the season.

Girls Golf

The girls golf team has had a somewhat crazy season, with results varying all over the place. Bailey Jackson, a sophomore, shot a seventy-nine to start the year in the second match, it was good enough for a top 10 finish. Finishing third in Marion County later this season, with seniors Kate Riegner and Chase Mulholland both finishing in the top twelve.

The Braves also finished top three in the all catholic event. Bailey Jackson shot and eighty-two giving her and individual fifth place performance. She is following up a regional qualifying freshmen year, she has continued that success. “The team’s sportsmanship and the way the team conducts themselves on and off the course. Saying that he often gets complimented on how fun these girls are to play with.” That is what coach Smith had to say about what makes this team special.

Senior Chase Mulholland says “The girls golf team has been such a fun team to be apart of for the last four years. I spend a lot of time with these girls and have made some really great friends” when asked about being on the team for the last four years. Chemistry has helped this team succeed this year.

The girls also have a top three finish at the New Pal invite. Having two top seven finishes in large tournaments of over fourteen teams, many being bigger than Brebeuf. They only finished a few strokes outside the top five in both events. The season ended Friday with a sectional loss for the team.