Catholic High’s quest for a championship ended on November 14, 2025, as the Lady Panthers were defeated by Northlake Christian in the LHSAA Division IV volleyball quarterfinals. The match, held at the Cajundome, concluded in four sets, highlighting the prowess of the two-time defending state champions.
Despite a spirited performance fueled by veteran players, Catholic High struggled to match the efficiency and depth of Northlake Christian. The Wolverines displayed formidable firepower and strategic balance, securing their place in the semifinal round.
Catholic High, seeded No. 11, fought tenaciously throughout the match, with junior standout Amelie Trappey leading the charge. Trappey recorded an impressive 17 kills, two aces, and a team-high 35 digs, showcasing her importance to the team. Head coach Gary Westcott praised her contributions, stating, “Amelie’s been our go-to since the eighth grade. She’s definitely our go-to player, but again, it’s not a one-man team. We needed some of our other players to step up.”
The Lady Panthers exhibited moments of brilliance, particularly through setter/hitter Mackenzie Batiste, who delivered nine kills and 21 assists. Defensive specialist Addisyn Derouen played a crucial role in extending rallies with 19 digs. Additionally, Niyah Ferdinand and Caroline Meyer contributed two blocks each, while Renee Frederick provided 18 assists and an ace.
Despite these strong individual performances, Northlake Christian’s length and depth created challenges for Catholic. Their outside hitters adeptly exploited gaps in the defense, and their ball control kept the pressure on in transitions. Westcott acknowledged Northlake Christian’s superior performance, saying, “I give a lot of credit to Northlake Christian; they played extremely well. For the most part we were in it, except for one set, but it just wasn’t our night.”
The match also marked a bittersweet moment for senior Gracie Neck, the lone upperclassman on the team. Neck’s leadership and composure have been pivotal to Catholic’s identity. Westcott reflected on her impact, noting, “She played extremely hard. She’s one of the smartest kids on the team; she’s probably going to be the valedictorian.”
Looking forward, Westcott emphasized that the end of the 2025 season does not signify his departure from coaching. “I’m not quitting,” he stated with a smile. “I’m continuing to coach. We’ll be coming back and hopefully better than ever.”
The Lady Panthers’ performance this season, which included victories over several top teams in Division IV, positions them well for the future. With nearly the entire roster expected to return, Catholic High aims to build on their experiences from a challenging schedule.
“I scheduled probably the toughest schedule you could look at,” Westcott explained. “We lost to a lot of good teams, but we beat a lot of good teams. I was hoping that experience would carry over here, and I think it did. Again, all credit to Northlake Christian; they’re defending champions for a reason. But I’m proud of our girls.”
As the team reflects on their season, they remain optimistic about their potential in the upcoming year, eyeing a more successful campaign in 2026.
