Sacred Heart celebrated a close win in four sets against defending Pope John Paul II in the Division IV LHSAA Volleyball State Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. The Cardinals bested third-seeded Pope John Paul II en route to a 25-21, 18-25, 25-22, 25-21 State Championship. Sacred Heart (19-4) won its first state title since 2006 and 14th in school history. 

"We always knew we could do it," said match MVP and senior May Manning (14 kills). "We just had to believe it. They say this is the best feeling in the world, and they are not lying. We all stepped up, and we just wanted it. "

It’s been fourteen long years since the Sacred Heart volleyball team hoisted a state championship trophy, but the 2020 team was victorious over three days of competition taking down #5 Notre Dame, #8 Ascension Episcopal, and finally #2 ranked Pope John Paul.

Sacred Heart played Notre Dame on Thursday, November 12th, and the game would not start until 9:30 p.m. The Cardinals swept Notre Dame in three games straight, 25-18, 25-14, 25-23. Lindsey Magaw ’21 had 15 kills, and MC Mazzanti ’23 had 11 kills. May Manning ’21 added five kills. Cami Davis ’23 had four kills, and Isabella Guarisco ’21 chipped in with two. Lindsey McGaw ’21 led the team in aces with four while Elizabeth Maniscalco ’21 had three. Bailey Axelrad ’21, May Manning ’21 and Cat Bonura ’22 led the team in digs. It was a great job by all, and a thrilling victory in spite of the late hour! 

On Friday, Sacred Heart played #8 Ascension Episcopal, beating them in three games straight, 25-22, 25-23, 25-20. Lindsey Magaw ’21 had 16 kills, and MC Mazzanti ’23 had nine kills. May Manning ’21 added seven kills, and Cami Davis ’23 had three. Bailey Axelrad ’21, May Manning ’21 and Elizabeth Maniscalco ’21 led the team in aces, and Bailey Axelrad ’21 also led the team in digs. It was a hard fought match as Ascension Episcopal was scrappy and determined, but Sacred Heart had more fire power. 

Volleyball Team Lineup:
9  Bailey Axelrad, Senior
10  Riley Brennan, Senior
6  Isabella Guarisco, Senior
14  Lindsey Magaw, Senior
3  Elizabeth Maniscalco, Senior
8  May Manning, Senior
11  Catherine Bonura, Junior
5  Izabella Erazo, Junior
12  Marian Graffagnini, Junior
16  Kate Ready, Junior
7  Cami Davis, Sophomore
2  Brooke Habetz, Sophomore
1  Mary Catherine Mazzanti, Sophomore
15  Isabelle Moore, Sophomore
4  Gigi Gibbens, Freshman

Sinisa Momic - Head Coach
Betsy Laborde - Assistant Coach
Wade Washburn - Assistant Coach
Lydia Strawn - Team Manager

Congratulations to Sue Bower, Lanie Victory, Volleyball Coaches Sinisa Momic, Wade Washburn and Betsy Becker Laborde who coached, supported and cheered the Cardinal Volleyball team to victory this weekend, claiming the title of Volleyball State Champions for Division IV. 

Read more about their path to victory here >

See photos from the three games this weekend here >