Dominican, St. Thomas More, Hannan, Notre Dame, Country Day claim state volleyball titles

Three southeast Louisiana schools were among the five state champions crowned Saturday at the Cajundome.

In a match for the ages, defending Division I state champion and top seed Dominican outlasted No. 2 St. Joseph’s Academy 21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 21-25 15-13 to repeat as champion at the Cajundome in Lafayette.

In an incredibly evenly played match, the two sides went back and forth throughout before Dominican pulled out to a 14-11 lead in the final set. The Redstickers fought back to make it 14-13 but Dominican finally put it away to secure its second straight state title.

Kate Baker earned Most Outstanding Player honors, producing eight kills, 52 assists and 38 digs. Anne Hardouin had 17 kills, O’Neill Haddad had 13 kills and eight blocks while Zoe Smith had 13 kills.

Dominican (48-2) defeated St. Joseph’s for the fourth time in five matches this season.

In Division II, top seed St. Thomas More outlasted its chief rival in No. 2 seed and defending state champion Teurlings Catholic 25-19, 20-25, 25-23, 21-25, 16-14 in a tremendous match.

The loss ended an amazing run of eight straight state titles for the Rebels.

It is the first state title for the Cougars since 2016.

Addison Phares starred for STM (38-3), putting down 23 kills and was named the Most Outstanding Player in the match.

In Division III, top seed Archbishop Hannan successfully defending its state title of a year ago, whipping No. 2 E.D. White Catholic 25-21, 25-14, 25-17.

Sophie Bonnafee led the Hawks (37-6) with 17 kills and 12 digs and earned the Most Outstanding Player in the match. Rylee Morris had eight kills and five blocks and Claire Buisson added 15 digs.

In Division IV, No. 2 Notre Dame swept past No. 5 Lafayette Christian 25-17, 25-15, 25-21.

The Pios (32-9) were led by Southeastern Louisiana signee Lily Morgan, who had 15 kills to earn the Most Outstanding Player award. Jeanne Schmid added 12 assists.

In Division V, top seed Country Day continued its dominance of the class, handling No. 3 Episcopal of Acadiana 25-21, 27-25, 25-16 for its sixth consecutive state title.

Country Day (31-7) was led by Tulane signee Nia Washington, who produced 19 kills and 13 digs and earned the Most Outstanding Player award. Ellie Schneider, who drilled 16 kills, along with five blocks as a force at the net. Sister Maggie Schneider added 20 assists.

The state championship is the 14th for Country Day and the 12th for the Cajuns in the last 13 years as the most dominant program in the state in its class.

LHSAA Volleyball Final Results

Division I
No. 1 Dominican over No. 2 St. Joseph’s Academy 21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 21-25 15-13

Division II
No. 1 St. Thomas More over No. 2 Teurlings Catholic 25-19, 20-25, 25-23, 21-25, 16-14

Division III
No. 1 Archbishop Hannan over No. 2 E.D. White Catholic 25-21, 25-14, 25-17

Division IV
No. 2 Notre Dame over No. 5 Lafayette Christian 25-17, 25-15, 25-21

Division V
No. 1 Country Day over No. 3 Episcopal of Acadiana 25-21, 27-25, 25-16