Prairieville and Ascension Catholic Host Volleyball Playoffs
The two district champions, led by former classmates Chandra Ewen and Kevreion Ward, begin their postseason runs at home this week.
By Luana Sato ·
Prairieville and Ascension Catholic will host their first-round volleyball playoff matches this week, marking a home-court advantage for two programs that recently claimed district titles. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association tournament starts on Nov. 2, with both teams preparing to defend their gyms against lower-seeded opponents.
Prairieville, ranked fifth in Division I, will host 28th-ranked Covington. Ascension Catholic, ranked fourth in Division V, will host 29th-ranked West St. John. These matchups represent the initial step for teams that have established themselves as top contenders in their respective divisions during the regular season.
The coaches leading these squads share a professional and personal history. Chandra Ewen, who has led Prairieville for three years, and Kevreion Ward, in her first season as head coach at Ascension Catholic, both played under legendary head coach Sandy Fussell at Assumption High School. Ewen previously served as the head coach at Ascension Catholic for 13 years before taking the Prairieville position.
Both programs secured their first district championships under current leadership. For Prairieville, the title came in its third season of existence as a newly formed high school. Ewen attributed the victory to the mental toughness of her experienced players, who adapted to a highly competitive district. She noted that the team learned to play together effectively, leading to their district win.
Ward, who assumed the head coaching role late in the spring, cited the confidence gained from returning players. She stated that winning the district title helped eliminate self-doubt among her athletes. The Ascension Catholic team, which finished with a 22-14 record, is led by a senior group that has reached the state championships in each of the last three years.
Key players for Prairieville include junior setter Haley Sears, who reached 1,000 assists at the end of her sophomore year, and junior outside hitter Kate Perniciaro. Perniciaro was named all-district and all-metro last season. Ewen also highlighted sophomore middle hitter Charli-Kate Secrist and sophomore libero Jayci Harvey for their consistent performances at the net and in defense.
Ascension Catholic relies on senior Ava Gauthe, who plays outside hitter and middle back, and senior Emerson Lemann, who serves as the team's setter. Ward noted that Gauthe drives the offense while Lemann provides consistent serving and defense. Senior libero Karsyn Chaney and senior middle hitter Sadie Kessler round out the senior leadership group that has guided the team through the season.
Both coaches emphasized that their regular-season schedules prepared the teams for the physical and mental demands of the playoffs. Ewen expressed excitement about hosting the first two rounds, noting that the team must earn the right to remain in their gym. Ward added that the team has grown together since summer camp, bringing a mindset of persistence to the postseason.
