Midfielder Bradley Hughes, sophomore, passes the ball midfielders Madison Trauth, sophomore, and Stella French, junior, remain ready on Feb. 17 during the quarter final playoff game against St. Joseph Academy that ended triumphantly with a score of 2-1.
Dominican’s soccer team wrapped up a terrific season, ending at in the playoff semi-final game. The team advanced to the semi-finals of the playoffs with a record of 19-2-8.
The team made it to the semi-final match against Northshore after an nail-biter in the quarter-final round. During that game against St. Joseph Academy, a final goal granted the team a spot in the semi-finals.
In the game against St. Joseph, the score was tied 1-1, and the time was ticking away. Junior and team co-captain Stella French made an outstanding pass to sophomore Bradley Hughes, who then scored a perfect goal to help push the team to victory.
“I wasn’t really thinking about it,” said Hughes. “I knew I needed to get the ball in the goal, and that was my main focus.”
With this focused approach, this year’s season was a success. The team credits its dedication to their coach, Mr. Al Silvas. Highlighting the season was Mr. Silvas’s 300th win as a coach.
Mr. Silvas reached that milestone on Jan. 4 when Dominican defeated St. Louis Catholic with a final score of 4-1. After coaching at Dominican for 11 years, 218 of his victorious games were won during his time at Dominican.
A Toast of Praise to You – Soccer captains Kate Thomson, Stella French (juniors), senior Layton Perkins and sophomore Kelsey Major celebrate with Coach Silvas after his 300th win on Jan. 4 against St. Louis with a score of 4-1.
Mr. Silvas credited the players he’s coached over the years for their willingness to do their best. He also acknowledged the “positive outlook and culture all the girls bring to the team, and all the work they put in.” The team sacrificed three months’ worth of sweat and muscle aches to reach the playoffs this season. Freshman and goalie Olivia Icamina said, “The hard work and determination put in during games and practices are what helps us to be better soccer players and a better team.”
As a team, DHS Cross Country runners come together before the start of the LHSAA State Meet on Nov. 19, 2019 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Dominican’s team placed fifth in the competition. Photo by Mrs. Nicky Wood
On Nov. 19, the DHS Cross Country
team took fifth place at the LHSAA State Meet in Natchitoches, LA. Additionally,
DHS sophomore Kelsey Major earned the state runner up medal with a time of
19:09.
The team sent seven runners to compete in the state meet: eighth graders Bryce Couvillon and Morgan Trauth; freshman Roma McAlear, sophomores Major and Madison Trauth; junior Izzy Dischner; and senior Erin Sequiera.
“The girls ran extremely well, and everyone did exactly what they were supposed to do. We had raced well prior to state. I’m proud of them.” said Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino (’07), cross country coach. The Dominican runners beat the sixth-place team by 85 points.
Major was focused on the team’s success as well as her own success, especially after recovering from last year’s ACL injury. Speeding past two runners in the last 800 meters of her race, Major ended her season with her second-place time.
Striding with stamina, sophomore Kelsey Major strategically paces her run at the LHSAA State Cross Country Meet in Natchitoches on Nov.19, 2019. Major clinched the state-runner up title at state with a time of 19:09. Photo by Mrs. Nicky Wood
“She ran a smart race,” said Ms.
Ciolino. “In the beginning, she let them pass her. However, in the last 800
meters, she passed the last two girls and secured a great time.”
In addition to Major’s accomplishment,
senior Tessa Paul was recognized for making the LHSAA All Academic Composite
Team.
In order to earn a spot on that team, Paul earned the required 4.0 to be honored at the LHSAA state event. Paul has been on the cross-country team all five years of her Dominican career, and she knows what it takes to work hard. “Putting effort in everything I did was not easy, but it helped,” said Paul.
Paul realizes how close she has
become to her team over the years. “It definitely feels like being in a family.
The support from coaches and teammates has made it all worthwhile,” said Paul.
Leading the Way – Senior Erin Sequeria sets a pace at the 2019 LHSAA State Cross Country Meet held in Natchitoches with freshman Roma McAlear following closely behind. “I was sad that this would be my last meet with the team, especially after putting in five years of hard work,” said Sequeira. “However, I’m also excited because to start of new adventures in college.” Photo by Mrs. Nicky Wood
With the team’s seniors graduating in the spring, Ms. Ciolino has many hopes for the young team. Their signature hard work will continue this summer in order to prepare for next season.
“Next season, I’ll be to working even harder,” said Major. “I’m extremely proud of myself and my team. So, I’m even more motivated.”
Fifth Place/Five Years – Swim team captains Rileigh Centanni, Reese Centanni and Morgan Gunnels, seniors, celebrate the DHS Swim Team’s fifth place ranking in the State Swim Meet in November. In addition, these senior celebrate the last meet of five seasons swimming together for Dominican. “It’s bittersweet,” said Rileigh. “This team has always motivated me and taught me to work hard.”
BANG! And they’re off!
Cold water surrounded the swimmers as they dove into the pool to begin their races at the LHSAA State Meet in Sulphur, LA. Excitement filled their faces as they exited the pool, claiming fifth place in state.
Senior Rileigh Centanni placed second overall in the 100-yard breast stroke with a time of 1:09.49. Centanni also exceled in the 100-yard fly by placing in the top 16. “I’m so proud of myself and the team in how we did. It was a great way to end the season!” said Centanni.
Thirteen Dominican swimmers qualified to travel to the LHSAA State Swim Meet in November. They all contributed to DHS’s fifth place result. Swimming in state were (back row) sophomore Emma Sullivan, eighth grader Brianna Leatham, senior Reese Centanni, eighth grader Kaylee Caro, freshman Riley Crespo, sophomores Olivia Cassereino and Catherine Kernion, (front row) junior Audrey Wild and freshman Allyson Johnson.
Thirteen girls, ranging from eighth grade to senior year, qualified for state: eighth graders Kaylee Caro and Brianna Leatham; freshmen Riley Crespo, Brooke DiMaggio and Allyson Johnson; sophomores Olivia Cassreino, Catherine Kernion, Cecilia Hanemann and Emma Sullivan; junior Audrey Wild; and seniors Reese Centanni, Rileigh Centanni and Morgan Gunnels.
The swim team’s record of success didn’t start with state. At the District Meet in mid-October at the UNO Aquatic Center, the girls dominated the pool and earned second place. Additionally, the team placed fifth at the Metro Meet which also took place at UNO later that month.
Many team members had travelled to the state meet before, but for eighth graders Kaylee Caro and Brianna Leatham, it was a first-time experience like no other. “I was excited to go because everyone is supportive, and the seniors are so welcoming,” said Leatham.
Teammates cheering on teammates brings joy to Ms. Erin Baker’s eyes. “The girls learn it’s not just an individual sport. They also have to cheer on their teammates,” said Ms. Baker (’95), swim team moderator.
With morning practices twice a week and meets once a week since the start of school, the swim team puts so much effort into everything they do. “[This season] I’ve learned how much you put in is how much you get out,” said Kernion. “If you work hard enough you’ll achieve your goals!”
As longtime members of the team since eighth grade, Gunnels and the Centanni twins, Rileigh and Reese, have made their last splash into the water wearing the DHS uniform. “It’s sad because it’s something I’ve doing for so long,” said Gunnels. “This team made me a better person.
“Everyone on the team has shown me how to be the best person I can be and to never give up.”
Sophomore Brooke Couret, libero, dives down for the ball during the game against Mandeville High School played at Dominican on Sept. 12. Couret, a defensive specialist that can replace any of the back-row players, is backed up by junior Sara Watermeier. This season Couret garnered 736 receptions. “Not all teams have a libero, so it’s really amazing that we have one in our line up,” said Mrs. Jessica Chatellier, head volleyball coach. photo by Dominican Volleyball
The Dominican volleyball team fought their way
into the Pontchartrain Center for the LHSAA Volleyball State finals in
November. They bested the competition through the quarter and semi-finals,
ending a successful season as Division I State Runner-Up.
Throughout the season, the team paved their own path to finals. On Friday, Nov. 15, the team dominated the semi-final game against Mandeville High with a 3-1 win. This match was especially representative of the team’s growth, according to Mrs. Jessica Chatellier, the team’s head coach, who was honored with the title of Division I Coach of the year.
“Friday’s game was a culmination of everything they
had done this season,” said Mrs. Chatellier. “They really have made leaps and
bounds to play like this.” She said the game reflected the dedication the girls
had put forth since day one.
The tournament was a return visit to the Pontchartrain
Center for Mrs. Ashlee Juhas (’04), the team’s assistant coach, who went to the
state tournament in 2003 under Mrs. Chatellier’s coaching. “It was really
exciting to have the experience of state from two different levels, both as
player and as coach, especially with her [Mrs. Chatellier],” Mrs. Juhas said.
The team, consisting of four upperclassmen and
eight underclassmen, is affectionately known as the Fuzzy Dozen. The captains –
sophomore Kate Baker, setter, and senior Ally Firmin, defensive specialist – led
with a calm authority, according to the team. “We were really focused on bringing
energy and confidence to our fellow teammates,” said Baker.
Senior Olivia Peyton attacks the ball at the Mount Caramel game on Oct. 15. Peyton is a star player for the team and performed exceptionally well during this game with 10 kills, 6 blocks, and 7 digs. “It has been amazing to watch Olivia grow throughout her time on the team,” said Mrs. Chatellier. Pictured with Peyton is sophomore Kate Baker.photo by Dominican Volleyball
The team boasted multiple standout players. Senior
Olivia Peyton, middle blocker, was named All-District MVP with a total of 400
kills and 40 blocks this season. Other players who made All-District are Baker
and sophomore Brooke Couret, first team; junior Elizabeth Hardouin, second
team; and honorable mentions, freshmen O’Neil Haddad and Zoe Smith.
Additionally, Peyton, Baker, and Hardouin were selected to the Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association’s All-State team. The three players were picked for the All-Metro team as well with Couret selected as an honorable mention. Baker and Peyton were also chosen to the 2019 Clarion Herald Elite Team.
Part of the team’s recipe for success was the
energy provided by students and fans at games. “We wouldn’t have made it [to
the finals] without our amazing seniors on the team and the student body. Our
fans are a huge part of our success,” said Hardouin, a defensive specialist for
the team.
Paint the Pitt Pink! – An enthusiastic student section cheers on the team with help from the beloved “Fuzzy D” during the Pink Game, one of the biggest events of the volleyball season for both fans and students alike. On Oct. 30, the Pink Game was played at home against Mount Carmel and it raised $13,816.87 for Breast Cancer Awareness . photo by Pelarr Edwards
Senior Kennedy Payne was one of those dedicated
DominiFans. “Going to volleyball games just fills you up with passion for your
school,” said Payne. “It’s amazing to see everyone have so much pride in
Dominican.”
“Although we didn’t take the state championship, I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” Mrs. Chatellier said. “These girls have been so incredible, and I think we’ll be in a great place for next season.”
The
Dominican Golf Team swung into action and placed at the Regional Meet on April
23 after participating in the Metro Tournament on April 10. From the tee to the
green, the team competed well on the links.
After training and practicing hard with head coach, Mr. Rick Ciolino, the Dominican Golf Team celebrates the end of their season with the Regional Meet on April 23. The 2019 team included freshmen Molly Stavinoha, Barbara Algero, senior Saheba Cuccia and freshman Olivia Hurley, Ada Holmes (missing from photo).
At
the Regional Meet, the three members who competed were freshmen Ada Holmes,
Molly Stavinoha and Olivia Hurley. Holmes placed twelfth with a final score of
93. “I love being on this team,” said Holmes. “Even though we are a very small team,
we always find a way to laugh and have fun. Each time we play golf together, we
become closer.”
Earlier
in the season at the Metro Tournament, Stavinoha, Hurley, freshman Barbara Algero and senior Saheba
Cuccia focused on the fairway. “I feel both sad and happy that I am finishing
my final season of golf. I have been on this team for five years, and it’ll
definitely be a change next spring when I do not get to play golf a few times a
week,” said Cuccia.
This
team has learned dedication with the help of the father-daughter coaching duo
Mr. Rick Ciolino and Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino (’07), coach and golf moderator, Coaching
together for five years now, Mr. Ciolino took on the role of head coach last
season. Ms. Ciolino, who also teaches in the P.E. department at DHS, says she enjoys
spending time with her father on the golf course.
“It’s
something we have done for most of my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever get
tired of it,” said Ms. Ciolino. “He was always coaching me in any sport that I
played, so to see him coach others and see how much he enjoys it is pretty cool.”
Playing in her final golf match at the Metro Tournament on April 10, senior Saheba Cuccia celebrates with Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino (’07).
As
far as coaching together goes, Ms. Ciolino said, “It’s fun to make coaching
decisions with him now instead of him making all of the decisions for me. I think
all of that has helped us grow in our relationship.” With the Ciolino duo
coaching the team, the golfers grew closer to one another throughout the
season.
“I’m proud that the team really bonded this year and had a lot of fun while improving each of our own games,” said Cuccia. “We had the team spirit as well as the love of both golf and each other to always cheer each other on.”
With
the cheers of Dominifans encouraging them, the DHS Track and Field Team raced
through the 2018-2019 season.
Placing fifth in the 4×200 Meter Relay, senior Gabrielle Cotton and sophomore Paige Julian race to the finish line at the Regional Meet on April 25.
Preparing
since January, the team participated in meets and qualified for the District
and Regional Meets. The Track and Field Team season culminated with six girls
headed to the State Meet on May 4 at LSU.
At
State, freshman Catherine Kernion placed seventh in the Girls 3200 Meter Run. Additionally,
senior Lizzy Bourg competed in the Girls 1600 Meter Run. Kernion – along with juniors
Molly Alexander, Erin Sequeira and sophomore Izzy Dischner – also participated
in the 4×800 Meter Relay.
Mr.
Paul Garvey, coach, said that the State Meet was interesting this year because
of the inclement weather conditions and racing format. “The stormy weather
created a situation we had to run the boys and girls events together, said Mr.
Garvey. This challenge was even further complicated by all school divisions
running simultaneously. Although the teams ran together, they were still scored
separately, according to Mr. Garvey.
Earlier
in the season, the team participated in the Regional Meet held in Thibodaux on
April 25. Bourg placed second in the Girls 1600 Meter
Run with a time of 5:47.21, earing a state meet qualification. In the Girls
3200 Meter Run, Kernion came in third with a finishing time of 12:30.43.
Placing second with a time of 10:59.73 in the Girls 4×800 Meter Relay, yhe team
of Kernion, Alexander, Sequeira and Dischner earned their qualification for the
State Meet along with Bourg.
Running to pass on the baton, senior Lizzy Bourg competes in the 4×800 Meter Run at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic at Tad Gormley Stadium on Fri. March 22 and Sat. March 23.
Previously
at April’s District Meet in City Park, the team ran well in the Girls 4×100
Meter Relay, coming in second. Junior Mia Taylor finished second in the 100
Meter Dash and third in the 200 Meter Dash with the times of 12.67 and 26.91.
“The team gave me the determination to try to do well in every meet,” said
Taylor. “We always support each other no matter the obstacle.”
The
2019 Track and Field Team was large and young, according to Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino
(’07), track coach. “We had a lot of eighth graders and to see them progress
and get better was exciting,” said Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino, track coach.
With
young members, “this season was a season where we had a lot of rebuilding to do,”
said Mr. Garvey. “We had younger athletes who did a good job by stepping up to
the challenge.”
As
a veteran of the team, Bourg is nostalgic about her final Dominican Track and
Field season. “They’ve become my support system and what I look forward to each
day,” she said. “It’s sad to think about not seeing my teammates after school
every day.
“No matter what, I’m proud of what the team has done this season.”
On April 27, the Dominican softball team hugs it out after being named State Champions. DHS defeated John Curtis 5-3, winning the state championship game for the first time in Dominican history. “I can’t even put into words what I was feeling that day,” said third baseman and catcher Danielle McCartney. “I am so incredibly proud of this team I’m a part of.”
On
April 27, Dominican defeated John Curtis High School in the LHSAA State
Tournament, capturing its first softball state championship in school history.
Entering
the state playoffs as undefeated district champions, Dominican roared through
the state tournament. Running the bases to the final championship game, DHS
emerged as state champs with a 5-3 victory John Curtis.
After
being state runner-up last year, softball coach Mrs. Dawn Benoit had high hopes
for this year’s team. “From the offense,
to the defense, to the young eighth graders and to everyone that contributed: I
am proud,” said Mrs. Benoit. “I was extremely emotional because my girls are
everything to me.”
For
the last two years, Dominican was just “excited to be in the finals,” said Athletic
Director Mr. Paul Spitzfaden. “This season, the team had goals, a stronger
mindset and team confidence, which hasn’t been the case in the past. We are now
the number one seed.”
This One’s For You, Mrs. Benoit! – Celebrating their big win, the DHS softball team dunks Gatorade over Mrs. Dawn Benoit, coach. On April 27 at Sulphur, LA, the team defeated John Curtis, clinching the state championship. “It’s awesome that the team got to experience this,” said Mrs. Benoit. “They’re still floating on cloud nine.”
This
win was the perfect end to senior Elizabeth Crotchet’s season as well as her
Dominican softball career. “It was an honor to play along side 20 other girls
this season and end it the way we did,” said Crotchet, senior. “I was filled
with joy knowing that we made history but sad knowing it was the last time ever
wearing that uniform.”
Before
winning the state championship title, the team had been dominating games left
and right. In March, Dominican defeated Archbishop Chappelle High School 8-2
then Mount Carmel Academy 6-4, clinching the district title with a perfect 6-0
record.
With only two seniors moving on, the team has high hopes for success in 2020. “It’s a great feeling,” said second baseman Alyssa Helwig, junior. “I couldn’t have asked to do it with any other girls.”
The 2019 Dominican Tennis Team served up a successful season. The team took to the court at the Regional Tournament on April 16 at City Park and finished as runner up, with all eight players qualifying for State.
Sophomore Mary Parker Whisnant aims to score as she hits the ball at the Tennis Regional Meet on April 16. Parker finished as Regional runner up at the tournament and advanced to the Tennis State Tournament along with seven other members of her team.
Sophomore Mary Parker Whisnant rallied
to the finals singles match at the tournament and finished as the regional
runner up. “I wanted to get as far as I
could in regionals,” said Whisnant. “Making it to the finals was definitely an
accomplishment.” Whisnant also felt that the team “grew closer together and
definitely learned a lot about each other” during this experience.
As Regional runner up, DHS advanced
to the State Tournament on April 26-27 in Monroe, LA. The eight players who
qualified for state were juniors Annamarie Allen, Lucy Harper, Adele Hoth and
Rachel Schlosser; sophomores Marist Bourg and Mary Parker Whisnant; and eighth
graders Kay Harper and Rachel Natal.
Doubles players Allen and Schlosser
advanced to the second round of the State Tournament. Additionally, singles
player Whisnant also advanced to the second round then to the quarter finals,
where the team’s season ended. “I was really excited to get that far in state
this year,” said Whisnant.
Although the team’s season ended in
the quarter finals round, they still accomplished a team goal. According to
Mrs. Stephanie Bollman, tennis coach, their team goal was to get a full roster at
the State Tournament.
With a successful season on the court, the team is ready for next year. Schlosser is looking forward to spending her last year with her team. “I’m proud of what we accomplished this season,” she said, “and I’m excited to do it again next year.”
With a regular season record of 23-6, the Dominican
Basketball Team reached the Division I state semifinals in Alexandria for the
third year in a row. Following their 40-24 win against Byrd in the state quarter
finals, Dominican faced Mount Carmel and ended the season with pride.
Taking it to the Hoop – Junior Kylie Barre drives the ball to the basket druing the Feb. 21 state quarterfinals game against Byrd. The team’s 40-24 win in the Siena Center advanced DHS to the state semifinals in Alexandria
The team’s Feb. 28 game against the Cubs ended their run but
undoubtedly showed the determination and grit the players showcased throughout
the season.
“I’m so proud of this team and all they’ve accomplished.
Getting to know and work with these players is such an honor,” said Mr. Ryan
Reuter, head basketball coach.
The team began the season the same way they finished – strong.
Dominican’s performance earned the team a “high power rating” from the Louisiana
High School Athletic Association heading into the post season.
The 2018-2019 season, while a success for the team, was by no
means an easy lay-up.
Two varsity players suffered major knee injuries, benching
them for the season.
Sophomore starter Grace Hamblin, center, tore her meniscus in mid-November, forcing her to undergo surgery early in the season. Hamblin’s teammate freshman Allison Tullier, forward, tore her ACL in January, which ended her season.
Without two key players, the team fought to earn every win.
“After losing two teammates, everyone’s definitely had to
step up,” said Ahjah Yunusah, varsity captain.
“A lot of people had to fill those starter positions and just go with
it.”
Yunusah, a senior and starting forward, led the team on and
off the court, playing in all 29 games this season and motivating her fellow
athletes to play for something bigger than themselves.
“We’ve had to work harder in practice and games, and the bond that comes from that work is what has made us this successful,” said Yunusah. “We try to play for Grace and Allison because we know they’re counting on us.”
In her final season, Yunusah scored a total of 177 points and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic held at the Alario Center in January.
SLAM! – Junior Shelby Morris out jumps her opponent during the opening of the Dominican’s Jan. 10 game against Chapelle. The Siena Center was filled with cheering fans as the basketball team took home the win, beating the Chipmunks 47-28.
With strong leadership and staunch determination, Dominican
basketball showed dedication and nerve, slam dunking tournament after
tournament.
The Sugarbowl, De La Salle and Episcopal tournaments all ended
in black and white victory, and the team’s unremitting efforts helped players
to keep their heads in the game even on the hardest days.
Freshman Sydney Sherman, forward, led the team in scoring
with 187 season points. As a varsity starter, Sherman was also named to the
Allstate Sugarbowl All-Tournament Team, helping the team to victory time and
time again.
Junior Kylie Barre, guard, also had a notable season with 47
steals and 70 assists as an upperclassmen starter. Barre was named as the
Allstate Sugarbowl Tournament’s Most Valuable Player and sees a bright future
for the upcoming season.
Two underclassmen also rebounded the season by stepping up to the hoop and holding their own. Guard Kate Baker along with forward Sherman were both played as Varsity starters and slam-dunked their freshmen season on the team.
In the post season, the team’s accolades kept coming. Captain Ahjah Yunusah was named to the LHSAA All-Academic Basketball Team; Freshman Sydney Sherman was named to the All-District Basketball Team; and Junior Kylie Barre was named to the All-District Basketball Team, the Clarion Herald Girls Elite Basketball Team, and awarded with an All-Metro Honorable Mention.
“They work hard. They’re scrappy,” said head coach Ryan
Reuter. “I feel fortunate to coach good players and good kids. Not everybody has
that experience.”
The team may have wrapped up their season, but Mr. Reuter is
already looking to next year.
“We have a fairly young team, but the players are experienced
and not overwhelmed by the game,” said Mr. Reuter. “I’m excited to see what
next season holds for our up and comers.”
Barre agrees. “I’m really excited to see what next season
holds for us,” she said. “I think the seniors this year definitely set the tone,
and I just hope we can lead this team as the past seniors have led me, passing down
what they’ve taught us season after
season.”
“I can’t wait to be back and on the court with my favorite group of people,” she added. “Our hopes for next year are to bring home a state title and show everyone what Dominican basketball is all about.”
After making a splash at November’s State Meet in Sulfur, DHS swimmers celebrate their fourth place. Pictured are junior Reese Centanni, seniors Emma MacMahon and Hannah Morris, junior Rileigh Centanni, senior Gabrielle Duhe and junior Morgan Gunnels.
Spike! Run! Swim! All three of Dominican’s fall sports teams strove to achieve their team goals. The Volleyball Team led the pack by spiking their way through season and making it to the Bi-District Rounds of the Volleyball Playoffs.
Following the Volleyball Team’s lead, the Cross Country Team had a great season and ran all the way to the State Competition, placing fourth. Soon afterwards, the Swim Team closed a rewarding season, taking fourth place at the State Competition in November.
The Swim Team Performs Swimmingly
On Nov. 16-17, the Dominican Swim Team competed the Allstate Sugar Bowl/LHSAA State Swim Meet in Sulphur State Competition resulting in the team placing fourth. Senior Hannah Morris also became the state champion in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing with a time of 2:08.17, just days after signing with Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
Thirteen team members competed in state, and it was a very rewarding season overall, according to moderator Ms. Erin Baker (’95).
Gathering around one of their co-captains, the Swim Team congratulates senior Hannah Morris as she signs with Texas Christian University in Fort Worth on Nov. 14.
According to junior Morgan Gunnels,
the girls always make sure to keep each other motivated and support each other
throughout the ups and downs in the season. “They’re my support system,” said
Gunnels. “They taught me the power of encouragement and how it can keep me
motivated.”
The Cross-Country Team Races to State
Through Rain , Mud and Cold – Freshman Kelsey Major slogs through the mud to the finish line at the State Meet on Nov. 13 in Natchitoches. Major had a successful run, finishing in the top eight in the state finals. “My team is the main reason I do Cross Country,” said Major. “They teach me how to work hard.”
The Cross-Country Team ran their
way State Competition and kept running until the team placed fourth.
The team beat the odds while running at the
state meet. According Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino (’07), cross-country coach, the girls
went into this meet not knowing what to expect. The weather was cold. The
ground was muddy. The girls had never run in conditions like this before.
Despite the weather setbacks, the
girls still ran and placed fourth overall. “I’m really proud of how the girls
ran in state and in that weather,” said Ms. Ciolino. “I’m very proud of how
they handled that.”
The team also accomplished one of their main team goals of winning regionals with freshman Kelsey Major placing first overall with a time of 18:19, which is the second-best time for a Dominican runner. Major also placed eighth at State, accomplishing a personal goal of placing in the Top Ten. “It felt rewarding because of the work we put in during the season,” said Major.
Bump, Set, Spike into the End of the Season!
In the all-important team huddle, Mrs. Jessica Chatellier, coach, talks strategy during the game against Barbe High School held at DHS. The team was victorious in the three game match on Nov. 1 and advanced in the playoffs.
The Volleyball Team had a successful
and winning season. “We had a young team and a very successful year,” said Mrs.
Jessica Chatellier, volleyball coach.
All the Volleyball Team’s hard work
throughout the season paid off when the team made it to the Bi-District Round
of the Playoffs after a great season. The girls then advanced to the Regional
Round of the Playoffs after being victorious over Barbe High School, winning a three-game
match.
Although they fell to Mount Carmel Academy in the next round, they fought their hardest and had a great season. “We grew closer as a young team,” said junior Adele Hoth. “They’re my second family and they teach me how to work hard.”
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