Bucs, Saints return to state tournament after extended hiatus

Barbe and St. Louis Catholic have combined to make dozens of appearances at the state volleyball tournament, but both programs are preparing for a return after lengthy absences. No. 5 St. Louis (25-14) will match up with No. 4 Haynes Academy (24-8) in the Division III quarterfinals at 3 p.m. today, while No. 7 Barbe (27-10) plays No. 2 Mandeville (34-3) at 5 p.m. in the Division I quarterfinals at the Cajundome in Lafayette. While Barbe coach Katie Franks played in the state tournament four times as a multi-sport athlete at Sam Houston High School from 2004-07, the Bucs haven’t experienced the state tournament with multiple courts going at the same time and large crowds since 2015. For the Saints, their last time was 2020. “They’re excited, and we’re excited to reach our second goal of the season,” Franks said. “Our first goal was to get district champs, and we accomplished that. And then next goal was to make it to the state tournament.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.