Traditional powers win state volleyball titles

Another year, another year of dominance by traditional powers dominating the state volleyball championships.

While several good programs reached the state playoffs and eventually the state tournament at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, in the final analysis, it was all about chalk ruling once again, all private schools, per usual.

All five finals contested Saturday featured the top two seeds. There were no surprises.

All five champions were top-seeds. If you were looking for drama, this was not your cup of soup.

In Division I, Mount Carmel won the rubber match with its traditional rival, making it four consecutive titles downing traditional rival St. Joseph’s Academy 25-15, 25-12, 21-25, 25-13. The two teams had split four regular season meetings.

Superstar junior Ellie Holzman was a force of nature, putting away 36 kills to pace the Cubs (39-7) to earn MVP honors. Senior Macie Matherne had 22 digs. Amber Haynes paced St. Joseph’s Academy (30-14) with 11 kills and eight digs.

“We came out strong to grab the advantage and then overcame losing momentum in the third set,” said Mount Carmel head coach April Hagadone. “We played with confidence. It took a while to find our lineup but we came together at the right time.”

In Division II, Teurlings Catholic proved that its move up in class was no issue at all, whipping Cabrini 25-16, 25-20, 25-15 to complete a masterful, perfect 42-0 season for a fifth consecutive state championship.

Ariana Hebert led the way for the Rebels with 41 assists and three aces and was named MVP. Cicily Hidalgo was outstanding as well with 14 kills and 14 digs. Jen Brue paced the Crescents (30-14) with 23 assists and 16 digs.

“We served well and jumped on top early and never let them gain any confidence and advantage and that was important,” said Teurlings Catholic head coach Terry Hebert. “We served well, very aggressively and that was a key as well. This was truly an outstanding season for us.”

In Division III, Vandebilt Catholic is the only new state champion as the Terriers rallied past St. Michael the Archangel 13-25, 25-13, 25-10, 25-17. It is the first-ever state volleyball championship for Vandebilt Catholic.

Senior Emily Gauthreaux led the way for the Terriers (40-5) with 26 kills and was named the MVP. Brittany Theriot was outstanding as well with 30 kills, nine kills and three aces. Amber Igiede led the Warriors (31-5) with 14 kills and four blocks while Sadie Edmonson had 20 digs, 14 assists and two aces.

“We were a bit shaky, nervous at the start but we eventually settled in and played the kind of volleyball we are capable of playing,” said Terriers head coach Greg Castillo. “We stressed defending better and it paid off for us.”

In Division IV, Pope John Paul II won its fourth consecutive championship, handling Notre Dame 25-15, 25-17, 25-22.

Kendall Battistella had 30 assists and 14 digs while Tyler Sanderson had 10 kills for the Jaguars (37-5). Senior Camille Dedeaux was named MVP. Anna Morgan led the way for the Pios (35-11).

“This team worked extremely hard to get here, overcame a home loss and losses to good out-of-state opponents,” said Pope John Paul II head coach Danny Tullis. “They earned this title. It is such a reward to have multiple state titles, quite an accomplishment. This is such a positive, hard working group.”

In Division V, Country Day won its second straight title, outlasting McGehee 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-25, 15-11.

The Cajuns (36-6) got 21 kills, 21 digs and two blocks from Alex Smith along with 52 assists and two kills from Mary Tebbe. Senior Leigh Maher had 25 digs and two aces and earned MVP honors. Naya Gross had 25 kills and two blocks while Jada Felix had 20 kills, 18 digs and one ace to pace the Hawks (42-4).

“I’m so proud of this group of girls,” said Country Day head coach Julie Ibieta. “We had to overcome extreme adversity. To see this team grow and improve from the start of the season to where we finished today was special. No team of ours came so far, improved so much.”