No. 1-Seed St. Thomas More Gets Straight-Set Win over No. 2 Ben Franklin in Division II Volleyball State Championship

by: Travis Connelley // GeauxPreps.com Contributor

LAFAYETTE – It was familiar territory Saturday for the St. Thomas More Cougars. Not only were they playing in their home city of Lafayette, but they were also competing for a Division II State Volleyball Championship, something they had also done the past four years prior. 

And just like the previous three, the No. 1-seeded Cougars once again found success, winning the top spot in DII as they pushed past the No. 2 Ben Franklin Falcons in straight sets winning 25-15, 25-16, 25-12 to claim their fourth-consecutive title. 

“I’m super excited for our kids, our parents, and our community,” said St. Thomas More head coach Jess Burke who admitted that there was a bit of pressure prior to the season on if her Cougars can win another title. “I’m not going to lie; the pressure has been on us all year, (although) it is kind of kind of relaxing now.”

St. Thomas More took advantage of the home feel, complete with the many Cougar fans, including several students, in attendance in addition to the St. Thomas More Band and Cheerleaders. 

Senior Rhyan Miciotto recorded three consecutive kills for the first three Cougar points and St. Thomas More set the tone early. She helped the Cougars race out to a 10-2 lead which quickly blossomed to a 16-6 advantage. 

The Falcons battled back and slowed the Cougars’ pace a bit but St. Thomas More flexed its muscle and took the first set 25-15.  

In the second set, however, things turned a bit. The Falcons got off to a strong start jumping out to a 6-3 advantage which quickly turned into an 8-4 lead. The run was kickstarted by kills from Laila Blondell and Annika Roberson. 

Despite the strong start for Ben Franklin, it did not last as St. Thomas More got into a rhythm. Trailing 10-7, the Cougars rattled off seven straight points to take a 14-10 lead. 

“We had a lot of dominance as well, but it didn’t pace as quickly together as we anticipated,” said Ben Franklin head coach Kim Buford.

The swing in momentum fueled the Cougars as a second 7-0 run helped them take the second set. 

With a fourth state title in their sights, the Cougars kicked off the third set on the right foot jumping out to an 8-2 advantage. The Falcons showed resilience and got four of the next six scores but St. Thomas More finished strong scoring 15 of the next 21 points to claim the victory and the title. 

Looking back on the last four years, Miciotto – who also won Most Outstanding Player – added that having each other’s backs really helped the Cougars find success. 

“I think that it is a really great feeling knowing that we were there for each other, the entire time,” she said. “Every play, we just played together and played as a team.” 

Junior Marvel Potier led the Cougars with 10 kills, two blocks, and two aces. Beverly Potier had nine kills and two blocks and Eleanor Guidry posted two aces and 14 digs. 

Corinne Staes led the Falcons with eight kills and eight digs.