News Post

The St. Joseph’s Academy volleyball team advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Allstate Sugar Bowl/LHSAA state volleyball tournament. The sixth-seeded Redstickers fell to Dominican, the number three seed, in three sets: 21-25, 21-25, 15-25. The match was played November 14 in the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. 

The Redstickers ended the season with a 29-19 record.

Head coach Sivi Miller said despite the team’s early exit from the playoffs, she considers the season a success. “Our team fought hard,” she said. “We went up against some great competition this season, as we do each year, and we strived to improve our game from match to match.”

Miller said the season was a mixed bag of hard-fought matches against some of the best teams in the state and falling short in matches which the team should have won. “But when the season comes to an end, we remember what we achieved,” she said. “We achieved an undefeated district championship; we achieved a quarterfinal finish; and we grew as individuals and as a team in the sport,” she said. “I’m so proud of each of these girls for the hard work, dedication and commitment they have given to their teammates, coaches and school. They represented SJA with so much pride. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to coach them and appreciate the respect they have for one another, their coaches, their school and the game of volleyball.”

Senior Elizabeth Fruge said her last year as an SJA volleyball player flew by but she thoroughly enjoyed being part of “an amazing, strong and caring team.” She said she will always remember her teammates and coaches. “The coaching staff is so dedicated to the team,” she said. “They put so much effort into each practice and game, and working with them has been such a privilege. Although we fell short in the quarterfinals, I am proud to say I was a member of such an accomplished team. We have accomplished many things throughout the season: victories against tough teams, growing closer as a team and, most importantly, learning the value of hard work and teamwork. For this and much more, I am proud I was a member of the SJA volleyball team.”

Junior Erin Beene said the team shared a special bond, and their team chemistry was evident on the court. “We accomplished many goals throughout the season, including district champions and many other hard-earned wins,” she said. “We all put in many hours of hard work, from the players to the coaches to the managers. We had many ups and downs throughout the season, but we fought hard and ended strong. Though we will miss our seniors’ leadership, I know we have a strong foundation to build on and can’t wait to work hard in the off season and come back ready to play next year.”

Sophomore Anna Musso said the team fought hard throughout the season. “We left our best on the court every match, whether we won or lost,” she said. “The determination of our team allowed us to excel in many areas of the game. The dedication, intensity and hardworking spirit of the whole team truly brought out each girl’s love for the sport. We have accomplished so much mentally and physically, and we have grown as players and teammates throughout the season. I’m so glad I got to spend time with my favorite people while playing the sport I love.” 

Senior Haley Priest said she will always look back fondly at her final year of SJA volleyball. “What made this year so memorable was all of my teammates, even though we had one of the smallest teams, both in number and size,” she said. “Even though we were a small team, we played fierce and competitive volleyball, which makes the game so much fun. We had a tough schedule this year, but that only made us stronger as a team. I hope to come back next year and see the girls with a state ring.”

Sophomore Morgan Perry said she was proud of the growth the Redstickers experienced, both in skill and team chemistry, over the course of the season. “Though we had some lows, we always came back strong and with a bounce, which is one of the hardest skills to demonstrate as an athlete,” she said. “That shows a lot about not only the team, but about the mental toughness and strong personality of each individual player. The memories of the hardest losses, specifically the loss in quarterfinals, can only make us stronger as a team. This memory may not be the best but will push me and my teammates to work even harder to achieve the ultimate goal of state next year. I cannot wait to get back in the gym and on the court with my SJA teammates because that time is some of the best of my high school experience. SJA volleyball will be back and better than ever in 2020.”
 

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director

Photos courtesy of Mark Polson