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RESERVE — The East St. John High School Lady Cats volleyball team overpowered St. Helena College and Career Academy Thursday night in the first game of the 2020 volleyball season.

East St. John finished three sets with scores of 25-8, 25-12 and 25-6. Ajeya Anthony, one of three team captains, scored an impressive 23 points in a row in a single set.

Since Louisiana moved to Phase Three, spectators were allowed to watch the victory while wearing face coverings.

The Lady Cats are led by head coach Trenell Smith Ambrose and her twin sister, assistant coach Trenese Smith Robertson.

Ambrose said the Lady Cats started off a little shaky, but it didn’t take long to get into a good rhythm on the court. Junior setter Anya Creecy was among the standouts of the night.

Several girls on the team showed their skills with top-notch serves, according to Ambrose.

While serving as definitely a positive, Ambrose said the girls will need to improve on hitting to prepare for fierce competition that lies just around the corner.

“We had a good game overall. I’m excited. The girls really looked good, and I see a promising year for us,” Ambrose said.

The teams did not switch benches and remained on one side of the net for the entire game in compliance with COVID-19 safety measures. Since teams can no longer gather in the locker rooms, the girls arrived at the gym dressed and ready to play.

“We also sanitized the kids’ hands when they came out the game to keep our girls safe,” Ambrose said.

The East St. John Lady Cats will face A.J. Ellender at 6:30 p.m. Monday at home. The Lady Cats will have another home game against St. James at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday before closing out the week with a 5:30 p.m. Thursday away game against Ursuline Academy.

The regular season is expected to conclude the last week of October.