By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

EDGARD — West St. John fell to visiting Ascension Episcopal in three games Wednesday, but the Rams again showed how far they’ve come over the past two seasons in a 25-19, 25-22 and 25-15 loss.

Episcopal entered the match with a record of 6-1 and is one of the top contenders in Division V, a state semifinalist last season. The two teams met in the second round of the postseason last year, with Episcopal winning 25-3, 25-6 and 25-10. 

Tre’Shaun Trench had 18 digs for WSJ (5-2). Dmyriah Herbert had six kills. Kaieonne Sorapuru had four kills and four digs. Maya Trench had three kills. Brittany August had five digs. 

“They told us we really pushed them more than almost anyone else had,” West St. John coach Glenda Mattos said. “I’ll tell you what, our girls kept their heads up the whole way. Even when their big hitter really slammed one down, Tre (Trench) would get in there and dig it. We played really well.”

The Rams also picked up a win this week, going on the road to best Family Christian Tuesday, 25-17, 25-21 and 25-9. 

Tre’Shaun Trench had 12 digs, while Sorapuru had 10 kills and seven digs. Maya Trench had seven kills and Herbert had four. August served four aces. 

“Everything was really on target for us,” Mattos said. “We were running our offense and defense well and everything kind of clicked. Brittany (August) did a great job as setter to direct things and get us into our plays.”

Mattos praised Tre’Shaun Trench’s play, noting her leadership defensively have helped push the Rams off on a fast start for the second consecutive season.

“She’s my cleanup girl,” Mattos said. 

“She’s taken control of that back row, more than ever before. She’s reading things extremely well.” 

West St. John is back in action Tuesday at home against Warren Easton. Thursday, the team goes on the road to face Madison Prep. JV begins at 5 p.m. on both days with the varsity to follow.