Parish volleyball players make all-district team

After an exciting volleyball season that saw all three of Ascension's Division-I teams make the playoffs, the all-district squads were announced last week.

Dutchtown junior Kristen Thompson took home the top honor as she was named the District 3 MVP. Thompson had a huge year--finishing with 473 kills, 392 assists and 87 blocks.

Her stellar play helped the Lady Griffins finish the season at 22-18 and earn a No. 7 seeding in the playoffs. They were able to enjoy a first-round bye before getting upset by 10th-seeded Comeaux in the second round.

Along with Thompson, three other Dutchtown players made the all-district squad.

Caroline Beeman was a first-team selection. She finished the year with 227 kills.

Whitney Jones and Katelyn Lund each made the second team.

Dutchtown head coach Patrick Ricks is already looking forward to 2016. He said that the Lady Griffins will bring back all of their top stars.

"The team came together toward the end of the season. We look forward to competing for a district championship in 2016, along with a trip to the state tournament," Ricks said.

Out of the three teams, St. Amant was the only one to make a trip to the State Volleyball Tournament in Kenner.

The Lady Gators won yet another district title and earned the state's fifth seed. They were eventually eliminated by Barbe in the quarterfinals.

As the top team in the district, they garnered the most team selections with six.

Brianne Babin was named the district's Defensive MVP.

Maggie Duplechein and senior Kourtney Gremillion were also selected to the first team.

Madison Anderson, Megan Marchand and Taylor Tidwell all made the second team.

East Ascension exceeded expectations in 2015 as they raced out to a 23-17 regular-season record and No. 8 seeding in the playoffs. The Lady Spartans were beaten by ninth-seeded Northshore in the second round.

After such a great season, head coach Jamie Gilmore was named the district's Coach of the Year.

Two Lady Spartans were named to the first team in senior Jessie Watts and Caitlin Henderson.