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Marissa Billedeaux (13) of St. Thomas More hits against Lakeshore during the LHSAA Volleyball State Tournament Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La. STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK St.
Thomas More players celebrate a point against Lakeshore during the LHSAA Volleyball State Tournament Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La. STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK Eleanor Guidry (7) of St. Thomas More dives for the ball against Lakeshore during the LHSAA Volleyball State Tournament Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La.
STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK Reagan Ziegler (29) of Lakeshore hits against St. Thomas More during the LHSAA Volleyball State Tournament Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La. STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK Ava Roger (3) of St.
Thomas More hits as Reagan Ziegler (29) of Lakeshore defends during the LHSAA Volleyball State Tournament Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La. STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK Beverly Potier (12) of St. Thomas More hits as Camryn Hurst (24) of Lakeshore defends during the LHSAA Volleyball State Tournament Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La.
STAFF PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save It’s not like St. Thomas needed added motivation entering Friday’s Division II semifinal volleyball match against Lakeshore at the Cajundome. Advancing to the state final was more than enough reason for the top-seeded Cougars to put their best foot forward.
However, they did have extra incentive, considering No. 4 Lakeshore handed the Cougars one of their three losses in early October. The Cougars (35-3) avenged that defeat by sweeping Lakeshore 25-20, 25-15 and 25-14 to advance to the Division II title game.
“It feels amazing,” coach Jessica Burke said. “This never gets old, and it isn’t something that we never take for granted.” It’s the fifth consecutive season the three-time reigning champion Cougars have reached the final.
They will take on No. 3 Ben Franklin (30-9) at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday in the Cajundome for a shot a fourth-straight title. Burke said she was confident STM would be able to avoid another loss to Lakeshore by making some defensive changes. “One of the things we changed from the first time we played them was the type of defense versus their attack,” Burke said.
“We also recognized weaknesses in their blocking scheme. It was an interesting approach because we were able to watch film of them versus us and that was advantageous for us.” Burke was ecstatic about her team's performance.
“We played lights out,” she said. “We were comfortable, loose and we had fun. We executed really well and played better than we did (Thursday in a 3-0 sweep of No.
9 St. Scholastica).” The Cougars’ top performers were Rhyan Miciotto (12 kills, two blocks, 20 assists and 13 digs), Beverly Potier (12 kills), Marvel Potier (two blocks, two aces), Eleanor Guidry (ace, 16 digs) and Emma Broussard (23 assists).
“It was a total team effort,” Burke said. “It was nice to see Rhyan light it up and put the ball away. She took some gutsy swings on balls that weren’t the best.
” With the nerves and jitters behind them, Burke said she's excited to see how the Cougars perform Saturday. “Thursday, I think there was some nerves attached to (our performance),” Burke said. “It’s a different environment in here and it took some time to get adjusted to the Cajundome.
Saturday, we’ll have a game plan. We just need to continue to be aggressive and believe in each other.”.
