The pressure was on for St. Thomas More volleyball as it took on Ben Franklin for the LHSAA Division II State Volleyball Tournament championship.
After winning the title three years in a row, completing the four-peat wasn’t the only thing on the table. Remaining the best was also on the line for the powerhouse program that is expected to win.
The Cougars did just that as they swept the Falcons 3-0 to snag their fourth state championship in a row.
“There’s a sense of relief — I’m not going to lie because the pressure has been on us all year,” St. Thomas More’s head coach Jessica Burke said. “Being able to fulfill that four-peat, it’s kind of relaxing now, and our players probably feel that way, too.”
Leading the Cougars to the championship victory — and all season long — has been Louisiana signee senior Rhyan Miciotto. The setter opened up the first set with five kills igniting her team’s offense. She finished the game with 12 digs, 16 assists and eight kills, earning her the Outstanding Player of Year award on the Division II level.