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LAPLACE — St. Charles Catholic’s volleyball team has high hopes of becoming repeat district champions.

Last season saw the Lady Comets advance to the quarterfinals and attain the highest LHSAA power ranking in nearly 20 years. Several seniors from last year’s team graduated in May, leaving big shoes to fill among a new group of starters.

Head coach Tricia Lowry said the girls are learning the court together. She’s pleased with the effort she’s seeing on the court, even when the end score hasn’t been in their favor.

While the season opener ended in a loss to Ursuline Academy, the two teams were closely matched for all three sets. A win against East St. John on September 5 preceded a challenging Dutchtown tournament that put St. Charles on a losing streak. Some familiar River Parish rivals will round out the rest of September, giving the Lady Comets a chance to turn their luck around before district play begins in October.

“We have come up short, but we are playing well. The girls are still learning how to work on the court together and gel as a team during game time. We’ve been working hard at learning a new system with two setters,” Lowry said.

Alyse Chauvin and Morghen Cosse are performing well as outside hitters. Sophomore Adrienne Arnett serves as an opposite side hitter while she’s not setting. Also at setter is junior Alexus Tubre, and subs include Kirstyn Landry or Hahnville transfer Olivia Bordelon.

Senior Lainey Beadle is in the middle along with Jacie Joyce. According to Lowry, Joyce had playing time last year and has developed a lot over the spring and summer.

Defensively, the team is looking to Rylee San Andres and Katherine Bergeron, both seniors. Sophomore Baileigh Tregre is the team’s libero.

While the systems on the court have changed, the district schedule will include familiar challenges from St. James, Donaldsonville and Patterson. There has also been consistency in the coaching staff, with assistants Eddie Borgstede and Dawn Gaubert returning. Adrienne Monica is a new addition to the coaching staff and will assist with the freshman and junior varsity teams.

“Everyone knows their role,” Lowry said. “After going to the quarterfinals last year, we are looking to repeat that and get back to the Cajun Dome in November.”
St. Charles Catholic’s volleyball team played Riverside in the home opener after press time Tuesday. Next on the schedule is a Wednesday evening road game against Lutcher.