“Ladycats earn a win in district play.”

Destrehan prevailed at home with a dramatic five-set win over Crescent City, 25-19, 25-9, 21-25, 21-25 and 15-13.

The Wildcats traded away most of their roster from a season ago and departed a large senior class, but the team is starting to find itself as it begins district play this week. The Wildcats were scheduled to face Thibodaux in their first District 7-I game of the season on Wednesday (as of press time), and today the team hosts fellow River Parishes rival Lutcher for a non-district matchup at 5 p.m. DHS will be back in district action next week when it travels to Central Lafourche on Wednesday.

Destrehan (12-11) has been battling for first-year head coach Miranda Kelley all year, and Kelley said this group has simply gotten better – and smarter – on the volleyball court as players gain more experience.

“It was really a group of players that were very willing to step up and take the lead,” Kelley said. “Every week we evaluate and look at the stats, chemistry and what works for us. It’s very competitive – players are racing for time and vying to see who will have a bigger role in the next game. They want to win and are willing to work for it.”

Emma Creel had 27 assists and six digs against Crescent City. She has been strong for Destrehan this season, showing multi-dimensional skills on the court. Kelley was equally pleased with her leadership, both on and off the field.

“She really controls the court,” Kelley said. “During the season, I taught the girls to look on the other side of the net and adapt our game to what they were doing. (Creel) communicates with her teammates before every serve and recognizes where teams have open spots or where their stronger players are. She has really embraced that game-planning element…We have players who really make this team their own and she is definitely one of them.”

Harmony Howard had 21 kills to lead the way offensively against Crescent City. Kumiko Xavier was the defensive anchor with 18 digs.

Kelley said Vivien Brouillette was also among the team leaders, both vocally and in terms of productivity. And sophomore Jacee Pate, Kelley said, is progressing and showing a lot of potential since getting more playing time. Pate recently had eight blocks in her first extended action against Walker.

“Everyone is starting to find their place,” Kelley said. “We are very flexible…if someone has an off day or someone is injured, we have girls who can step into a different role and help with that.”

The Wildcats were eager to get district play underway.

“We have a very competitive district,” Kelley said. “We know we have some heavyweights coming up, but we are ready to show what we can do. We know a lot of people have let us down, given the amount of seniors we lost and a new coach…we are ready to go.”