Newman sweeps Pope John Paul II to capture state volleyball title

Winning was expected.

Sometimes, when that is the case, it is not easy as the target of others.

Newman handled the pressure very well.

The No.1 Greenies upheld their seeding with a 25-22, 25-18, 27-25 victory over No. 2 seed Pope John Paul II to win the Division IV state volleyball championship at the Cajundome in Lafayette Saturday.

Za Nelson was the dominant force, earning Most Outstanding Player honors with 18 kills and 17 digs. Caroline Baehm had 10 kills and Jessica Miller dished up 51 assists. Morgan LeBourgeois added 25 digs for Newman (38-5).

Pope John Paul II had beaten Newman in the Division IV final in 2014.

It is the first state title for Newman since 2013.

Kayla Benedic had 14 kills and 10 digs for the Jaguars (26-9), who played without head coach Danny Tullis, who missed the title match after his son, Christian, tragically died in an automobile accident Friday driving home from Lafayette after Pope John Paul’s thrilling semifinal win over Sacred Heart of New Orleans.

Christian’s sister, Ali, a star for Pope John Paul II, played in the championship match Saturday in honor of her late brother.