Destrehan has struggled to break through in a rebuilding season, but the young Wildcats may have found a turning point last week after felling a District 6-I rival.
DHS captured a victory in five sets over East St. John in their match Thursday at Destrehan, winning 29-27, 23-25, 25-14, 23-25 and 16-14.
Gabby Naquin served 8 aces in the win. Johnesha Vinnett had 12 kills, 12 digs and 3 blocks. Emily Richardson made 20 assists.
East St. John entered last week riding a wave of momentum after going 5-0 to win the Bear Tournament at Ruston and sweeping Warren Easton Wednesday, showing great improvement under Chelsey Lucas-Nicholas. Lucas-Nicholas is in her first season as ESJ coach after leading Riverside to back-to-back state semifinals in 2012 and 2013.
But Destrehan halted that win streak thanks in part, says DHS coach Alexis Keller, to generating some positive in-match momentum of their own.
“We were winning long rallies,” Keller said. “We were winning points when things get tough. The thing about volleyball is it’s such a high energy sport, and when you’ve got it going that can carry you a long way.
“We were able to keep our energy up throughout and that was the difference.”
Keller said some adjustments to the starting lineup helped as well. Richardson moved into the setter spot and Keller believes that made a notable difference.
“She gave everyone a sense of consistency,” Keller said. “
Vinnett was a huge factor as well.
“She’s our best hitter,” Keller said of the senior. “She’s been looking great.”
Destrehan has a challenge on its hands today. The Wildcats will travel to defending district champion H.L. Bourgeois (JV and varsity, 4 p.m.) before returning home Tuesday to host Thibodaux (JV and varsity, 4 p.m.)
“We played them a few weekends ago (in the first round of district play),” Keller said. “We’ve made some changes since then.
“We’ve seen what they do up close and that helps with preparation the second time around. We competed with them
Can the Wildcats keep things going?
“It’s easier to chase that feeling that comes with winning once you’ve had it,” Keller said. “I think we’re on the verge of turning it around.”
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