Division II Quarterfinals
Not sure if there is a division with a stronger favorite than in Division II where No.1 seed St. Thomas More looks poised to win a fourth straight state title.
Jes Burke’s team is rock solid, state tournament tested, and hungry for a senior heavy lineup to go out on top.
Can anyone knock them off?
That’s why they play the games right?
No.1 STM vs No.9 St Scholastica Thursday 6:10pm
The Cougars were near perfect this season until they hit a bump at the Hannan Tournament in mid-October. The season’s first loss (to Hannan) was followed by the second, this time to Lakeshore who just happens to be still alive on the same side of the bracket as STM.
Is STM a strong favorite? Absolutely. But seven other teams will be fighting to knock them off their D2 throne starting with SSA who advanced to the Division II State Semifinals last season where they faced guess who? Yup, STM who beat SSA 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-22).
Coach’s Comments:
STM
“We are thankful to be headed back to the Dome and for this opportunity to represent our school on a big stage. This is a special group of young ladies and I couldn’t be more proud of them! Best of luck to all of the teams in the tournament!” Jes Burke
SSA
“This season we faced a lot of adversity, so for us to earn a spot in the State Tournament in Lafayette was very rewarding. The girls know that it is not a guarantee so they are excited and proud of the way they played to get here.
We played a really tough schedule to get where we are, and we know our challenges are far from over. We are definitely battled tested, and we know that our past schedule and challenges have prepared us the best we can to face a team like St. Thomas More. Everybody loves a good underdog story, and I know our team will rise to the occasion. We are looking forward to a great game.” Lisa Cardinale
Stats
STM
Rhyan Miciotto 441 assists/238 kills/281 digs/72 aces
Emma Broussard 622 assists/235 digs
Beverly Potier 294 kills/124 digs
Marvel Potier 190 kills/68 blocks
Eleanor Guidry 371 digs
Ella Broussard 276 digs/106 kills/67 aces
SSA
MB Julia Whitfield (Senior): 332 kills, 46 blocks, 19 aces
RS Mia Casi (Junior) 262 kills, 37 blocks, 12 aces, 130 digs
Libero Sophia Schliem (junior) 435 digs, 105 assists, 55 aces
S Maya Lanclos (sophomore): 532 assists, 260 digs, 32 aces setting a 6-2
No.4 Lakeshore vs No.5 AOL Thursday 2:30pm
Lakeshore opened eyes across the state when they knocked off No.1 STM in straight sets at the Hannan Tournament in mid-October. Since then coach Darrin Loup’s team has continued to impress as state quarterfinalists Newman, EDW, and Parkview Baptist have found out firsthand.
For AOL Don Landry’s team has been confident all season. A 26-7 regular season and district championship gives them reason for confidence heading into the state tournament.
Coach’s Comments:
AOL
“Our program was founded on certain ideals- Perfection, Commitment, Hard Work, Sisterhood, and Faith… Kicking the door down has always been our goal. This year the goal seems obtainable.” Don Landry
Stats
AOL
Lillian Daviss 333 kills/76 digs/50 aces
Abby Cao 701 assists/66 aces
Jaci Camardelle 176 digs/78 aces
No.3 Ben Franklin vs No.6 Teurlings Catholic Thursday 6:10pm
A rematch of last year’s Division II Semifinals that the Rebels won in dramatic fashion 24-26, 25-17, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14. Ben Franklin got a little revenge early in the season at the Assumption Tournament winning 2-1 (13-25, 25-16, 15-13) but would like even more Thursday on Court 3.
Coach’s Comments:
Teurlings Catholic
“We saw them earlier in the season and lost. So we’re hoping to even the series. They are always a physical team every year.”
Ben Franklin
“We’re excited and have fought hard all season to reach the postseason. Going in as No.3 in Division II reflects the dedication the girls have shown everyday. They’ll be out there fighting for each other, with senior setter Kat Kondkar leading the way, keeping everyone level-headed on the court and averaging an outstanding 8 assist per set.” Kim Buford
Stats
TC
Charli Boulet 322 kills
Brooklyn Blanchard 533 assists/324 digs/60 aces
Ben Franklin
Cori Staes 326 kills/234 digs
Annika Roberson 295 kills
Kat Kondkar 727 assists/173 digs/74 aces
Lily Mayes 343 digs
No.2 Sam Houston vs No.7 Kenner Discovery Thursday 2:30pm
It’s the “Last Dance” for Sam Houston coach Rene Fontenot after over three decades of coaching at Sam Houston and safe to say they’re looking to go out on top. A gaudy win total (36) is backed up by some impressive individual stats (see below) that make you feel that Sam Houston has a solid chance.
The Swamp Owls advanced to the state tournament by defeating Natchitoches Central in four sets Saturday in the Regionals.
Stats
Ava Henry 484 kills/197 blocks/326 digs/56 aces
Aubrey Portie 441 kills/464 digs/76 blocks/65 aces/55 assists
Bailey Foolkes 829 assists/278 digs