E.D. White volleyball opens LHSAA playoffs with dominant win over Cecilia on Tuesday
THIBODAUX — The LHSAA volleyball playoffs started this Tuesday as 2-seed E.D. White defeated No. 31 Cecilia in straight sets, with the Cardinals sweeping the Bulldogs, 25-9, 25-18, and 25-10.
EDW (31-8) came into the playoffs as a favorite not just in Tuesday's match, but for a state championship. There was no signs of an upset throughout the evening, as the Cardinals never trailed Cecilia (20-17). The first and third sets were dominant for EDW, holding the Bulldogs to 19 combined points.
In the second, though, Cecilia battled back, scoring nearly enough to double its total from the first and third sets combined. With the set tied late, the Cardinals needed to muster one final run in order to keep the hope of a sweep alive.
More high school sports: One question every Houma- and Thibodaux-area football team needs to answer in Week 10
Two commanding sets
In both the first and third set, EDW scored the first point and never looked back. The Cardinals thoroughly controlled both sets to bookend Tuesday's win. In the first, the Bulldogs were limited to single digits, and by the time Cecilia scored its 10th point in the third, EDW was only two points from clinching the match win.
Barker Honda Athlete of the Week: Vote here for this week's Houma- and Thibodaux-area Barker Honda Athlete of the Week
One crucial timeout
Late in the second, though, it looked like the Bulldogs might steal a set win. Cecilia battled back to tie the Cardinals at 17. With just eight points separating both sides from a win, EDW coach Sarah Johnson called timeout in an attempt to get momentum back for her team.
It worked, as the Cardinals closed the set on an 8-1 run to put the Bulldogs' backs against the wall.
They said it
"We started off a little slow. We had a little slump in there," said Johnson about the second set. "I think we just got complacent on our side. We were trying to slam the ball every time. I said a few things that they needed to change on the court, and they came out and they did it. Any win is a good win at this point in the playoffs."
What's next
E.D. White will play the winner of 15-seed Berwick vs. 18-seed Patrick Taylor in regional play. The Panthers and Tigers play on Wednesday at 5:00. The date and time for the regional game will be announced later.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: E.D. White volleyball opens playoffs with dominant win over Cecilia
