Two former classmates lead teams to district titles
Prairieville and Ascension Catholic volleyball coaches both won their districts after playing together under a legendary head coach in their own high school years.
By Luca Stewart ·
High school volleyball fans in Ascension Parish will watch two familiar faces in the LHSAA playoffs starting this week. Chandra Ewen of Prairieville and Kevreion Ward of Ascension Catholic both led their teams to district championships this fall. The victories mark a first for both programs under their current leadership, and the two coaches share a direct historical link.
Ewen and Ward both played on the same high school team at Assumption High. They competed for the school under head coach Sandy Fussell. That shared background connects two different schools that have just ended their regular seasons with top results in their respective divisions.
Prairieville finished the regular season with a 30-8 record. The Hurricanes will host their first-round playoff match on Nov. 2 against 28th-ranked Covington. Ewen has coached at Prairieville for three seasons, and this is the first time the team has won its district. She credited the returning players for their mental toughness and ability to play together as a unit.
Ascension Catholic finished the season with a 22-14 record. The Bulldogs will host 29th-ranked West St. John in their first-round match. Ward took over as head coach late in the spring before this season began. This is her first year leading the program. She noted that the senior group has been consistent and that the team has built confidence throughout the year.
Prairieville relies on junior outside hitter Kate Perniciaro and sophomore Brasia Smith at the net. Junior setter Haley Sears reached 1,000 career assists at the end of her sophomore year. Ascension Catholic is led by senior Ava Gauthe, who plays outside and middle back. Senior Emerson Lemann serves as setter, and senior Karsyn Chaney anchors the defense.
Both coaches said their teams are prepared for the postseason. Ewen stated that the goal was to reach the state tournament at the Cajundome. Ward said the team has focused on mental preparation and skills since the start of the season. Both schools will host their first two playoff games if they advance.
Source: The Advocate
