Catholic High’s hopes of advancing in the LHSAA Division IV volleyball playoffs were dashed on November 14, 2025, as the Lady Panthers lost to Northlake Christian in four competitive sets. The match, held at the Cajundome, showcased a determined effort from Catholic, but it ultimately fell short against the efficiency of the two-time defending state champions.
Despite a strong performance from junior standout Amelie Trappey, who recorded 17 kills, two aces, and a team-high 35 digs, Catholic struggled to match Northlake Christian’s powerful offense and balanced attack. The loss eliminated Catholic from the tournament, concluding their season with a record of 21-16.
Coach Gary Westcott expressed pride in his team’s resilience, noting that they pushed the match into long rallies and contested nearly every point. Trappey, who has been a key player for the Panthers since joining the varsity team in eighth grade, once again exemplified the intensity that has made her a crucial part of the lineup. “Amelie’s been our go-to since the eighth grade,” Westcott remarked. “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.”
Catholic showed flashes of the form that helped them navigate one of the toughest schedules in Division IV volleyball. Setter and hitter Mackenzie Batiste contributed significantly with nine kills and 21 assists, while defensive specialist Addisyn Derouen extended plays with 19 digs. At the net, Niyah Ferdinand and Caroline Meyer each contributed two blocks, and Renee Frederick added 18 assists and an ace.
However, Northlake Christian’s height and depth proved to be decisive factors. Their outside hitters consistently exploited gaps in the Catholic defense, and their exceptional ball control allowed them to maintain an aggressive approach during transitions. Westcott acknowledged the Wolverines’ performance, stating, “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 defeat also marked the end of the season for senior Gracie Neck, the only upperclassman on the team. Her leadership and poise have been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity. “She played extremely hard,” Westcott said. “She’s one of the smartest kids on the team; she’s probably going to be the valedictorian.”
Despite the loss, Westcott confirmed his commitment to continue coaching the Panthers, dispelling recent speculation about his future. “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 Panthers’ overall performance during the season, highlighted by victories over several higher-seeded teams, positions them well for future competitions. With nearly all players returning next year, Catholic High aims to build on their experiences from this season. “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.”
