LAFAYETTE — In a hard-fought match on the evening of November 14, 2025, the Catholic High volleyball team was eliminated from the LHSAA Division IV playoffs, losing to defending champions Northlake Christian in four sets. Despite a determined effort, Catholic High struggled to keep pace with Northlake Christian’s balanced and powerful offense.
Catholic High, seeded 11th in the tournament, showcased a competitive spirit, pushing the match into lengthy rallies. Junior standout Amelie Trappey was instrumental, delivering an impressive performance with 17 kills, two aces, and a team-high 35 digs. Head coach Gary Westcott credited Trappey’s leadership and intensity, noting her vital role since she joined the varsity squad in eighth grade. “Amelie’s been our go-to since the eighth grade,” Westcott said. “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.”
Strong Team Effort but Tough Opposition
Throughout the match, Catholic High demonstrated flashes of the form that propelled them through a challenging schedule this season. Setter/hitter Mackenzie Batiste contributed significantly, recording nine kills and 21 assists, while defensive specialist Addisyn Derouen helped maintain rallies with her 19 digs. At the net, teammates Niyah Ferdinand and Caroline Meyer each made two blocks, and Renee Frederick added 18 assists and an ace to the team’s effort.
Despite these contributions, Northlake Christian’s height and depth created difficulties for Catholic High. The Wolverines’ outside hitters effectively exploited gaps in the defense, while their superior ball control allowed them to remain aggressive during transitions. Westcott acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Northlake Christian: “I give a lot of credit to Northlake Christian, they played extremely well… it just wasn’t our night.”
The match also marked the conclusion of the season for senior Gracie Neck, Catholic High’s only upperclassman, whose leadership has been pivotal for the team. Westcott praised her performance, stating, “She played extremely hard. She’s one of the smartest kids on the team; she’s probably going to be the valedictorian.”
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
As the season concludes, Westcott emphasized his commitment to continue coaching, dispelling rumors of his departure. “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’ achievements this fall, including victories over higher-seeded teams, have positioned them favorably for the future. With only one player graduating, the team is poised to build on their experiences from a demanding 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.”
Catholic High looks forward to the next season, aiming for championship aspirations as they prepare to return to the court with a roster that is both battle-tested and eager for success.
