Division V Quarterfinals
For the last two years Division V has turned into a two-horse race between Country Day and Westminster. After strong regular seasons by both, all signs indicate the two will be back in the finals for a third straight season.
That’s not to say there aren’t other quality teams remaining in Division V, there are. But the gap between the field and Country Day/Westminster is wide. Any of the other six remaining teams will need to play near flawless volleyball to make a dent in the path of the favorites.
No.1 Country Day vs No.9 Episcopal of Acadiana Thursday 4:20pm
With eight straight state championships under their belt and a lineup full of returning All-State selections, it’s easy to see why Country Day is confident entering the state tournament. Seniors anchor key positions with Lia Beverly at middle blocker, pin-hitter Jane Gambel, Addison Launey at libero and magie Schneider running the offense at setter. Senior Elle Nunez is an underrated player who can make a big play when needed.
ESA knocked off a good Covenant Christian team 3-1 in the Regionals to make it to Lafayette.
Coach’s Comments:
Country Day
“We are looking forward to playing ESA in the Quarterfinals. They have such a great program and we always have to play our best and are looking forward to a battle on Thursday.
We take it one step at a time and don’t discuss the past or future, just what we need to do today.
I have 8 seniors in this program and a great group of underclassmen. They have been a blast to coach all season and play with a lot of determination and heart.” Julie Ibieta
ESA
“We’re are excited for the challenge and getting this young team experience playing in the Cajundome.” Sara Robichaux
Stats
Country Day
Addison Launey leads us with 60 aces and 552 digs
Lia Beverly leads us with 441 kills and hitting a .369 percentage for the year.
Maggie Schneider leads our offense with 1058 assist this season
Jane Gambel has 228 kills and 49 block assist
Jade Washington has 270 kills and 289 digs
Marleigh White leads us with 70 assist blocks and 19 solo blocks
ESA
Leader in assists is only senior Rylee Benoit
Kill leaders are SO OH Avery Monica
FR OH Lauren Conroy and 8Th grader Camille Herrington
Scarlet Girouard SO libero is KILLING IT passing a 2.3 sr average and leads the team in digs
No.4 Crescent City vs No.5 Louise McGehee Thursday 12:40pm
An impressive 22-9 regular season mark earned Crescent City the No.4 seed and after playoff wins over North Iberville and St. Edmund they find themselves in the state tournament.
For McGehee and 18-8 regular season has been followed by a pair of impressive playoff wins. McGehee has won seven straight games and has yet to lose a set in the playoffs.
No.3 Ascension Catholic vs No.6 Riverside Thursday 9:00am
Another strong season for Ascension Catholic included a 22-13 overall record and a 7-0 district mark. A pair of three-set sweeps over Vermilion Catholic and WCA-Lafayette has the Bulldogs back in the state tournament.
Riverside also notched a quality regular season mark at 22-10 which also includes a six-game win streak.
Coach’s Comments:
Ascension Catholic
“We played Riverside during the season and although we won in 4 sets, it wasn’t an easy win. Riverside is a well coached team and they are scrappy. I anticipate them giving us a good match. For the last two weeks, one of my top hitters, middle blocker Kaylee Brown, has been out and I’m hoping that she will be able to play on Thursday. If we keep our unforced errors to a minimum, we have a good chance of advancing. We have to lock in and all parts of our game have to be on from here moving forward. We have to play defense and pass well in order to get the ball to our big hitters like Ava Landry and Kaylee Brown at the net. We peaked early in the season and we have had our struggles in the latter part of the regular season. Our last playoff game was a great one so if we can keep that energy, I’m confident that we will continue to be successful. We are taking one game at a time and not looking ahead.” Janelle Leonard
Stats
Ascension Catholic
Ava Landry, Jr. MB – 318 kills, .337 hitting average
Kaylee Brown, Sr MB – 292 kills, .342 average
Ava Bright, Sr Libero – 335 digs, 74 aces
Ava Gauthe, So OH – 172 kills, .215 average, 153 digs
Ava Gordon, Sr Setter – 451 assists, 81 digs
Blyss Charleville, Sr Setter – 333 assists, 81 digs, 55 aces
Celia Gordon, Jr DS – 127 digs, 47 aces
Isabella Troxclair, Sr OH – 133 kills, .253 average
Kate Templet, Jr MB – 145 kills, .261 average
No.2 Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas) vs No.7 Central Catholic Thursday 10:50am
WCA coach Keith Leon has methodically built his program over the better part of the decade. In 2021 the Crusaders advanced to the state finals and took Country Day to five sets. Last season after graduating most all of his key players, Leon again managed to lead his team back to a State Runner Up finish.
Before this season even started, both Leon and his senior-heavy team felt this could be the year to slay Goliath. After taking STM to five sets in the second game of the season people have noticed. WCA spent the entire season in the VSN/GeauxPreps Power 25 and seven of their 30 wins have come against teams still playing in the state tournament .
Central Catholic advanced to the state semifinals last season. Althought the regular season ended with an even .500 record, the Eagles did go 4-0 winning a district title. They are big in the middle where Addison Grizzafi and Jordan Geason are both impressive middle blockers.
Coach’s Comments
WCA
“I do feel if we stay focused and depend on each other, we can go very far. We know that we have a task at hand playing Central Catholic. We know Central Catholic’s strength is their middles and what we need to work on, we just have to execute that plan. Our seniors have been working very hard helping the younger girls stay focused and get ready for the state tournament. Their leadership roles have been very vital in this year’s success so far. I do believe we will see even more of that this week. I’m very proud of this young team and what they have accomplished this season. We are happy to represent Westminster Christian Academy at the state tournament for the 5th year in a row.” Keith Leon
Central Catholic”
Our team has been preparing for the past year for this moment. As you know, we came up short last year at the ‘Dome (lost to Country day in the semifinals). The girls have put in the time and effort, and we are ready.” Sunni Rae Blanchard
Stats
WCA
#29 Ana- Camille Melancon (SO-OH) 25 Aces, 275 kills, 11 Blocks, 206 digs
#15 Sophia Wiltz (SO-RS) 52 Aces, 136 kills, 21 assists, 43 Blocks, 62 digs
#1 Kristian Thomas (SR- L) 30 Aces, 13 kills, 72 assists, 461 digs Career digs: 1,122 2yrs
#9 Laila Gauthier (JR- OH) 44 Aces, 11 assists, 295 Kills, 24 blocks, 322 digs
#20 Anna Ware (SR-S) 53 Aces, 51 kills, 25 Blocks, 1,043 assists, 295 digs Career Assist: 3,047 4yrs
#6 Bethany Stoute (SR-MB) 326 Kills, 15 assists, 38 digs, 77 Blocks Career Blocks: 341 Kills: 1,003 4yrs
#27 Kenndi Richard (SO-DS) 10 aces, 8 Assist, 152 digs
#8 Isabella Guy (SO-DS) 60 aces, 184 digs,
#13 Kenzi George (FR-RS) 26 Aces, 70 Kills, 12 blocks, 68 digs
Central Catholic
Addison Grizaffi 306 kills/97 blocks
Jordan Geason 337 kills/118 blocks