By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — The Ruston High Lady Bearcats (9-7) needed four sets to best the West Monroe Rebels Tuesday night at home in a thrilling contest that secured the 2025 district championship for the Lady ‘Cats on the court.
“I’m very proud of the girls and the way we finished,” Ruston High head coach Mandy Cauley said. “They stay composed, and again, with the youth of this group, the confidence of doing the same right thing over and over is still something we’re learning to do. I was very proud of them. I saw some big leadership tonight, and I’m proud of the whole team. Knowing that we’re district champions again is huge. Losing (a set) and then coming back and winning and showing our composure — that’s just building blocks for us that help us get better.”
Ruston wasted no time early getting a 25-16 win in the first set, thanks in large part to junior Baylor Cauley clocking four of her 15 kills on the night in the first stanza. Junior Jane Ramsey added three more kills in the first set and totated nine for the night.
“Baylor was lights out for us tonight,” Cauley said. “She really stepped up. She played from the outside hitter position, and she scored a lot of points. She did a great job of making her hitters look good with her set, and we’re so very proud of her.”
It was set two where West Monroe dug in and ended up getting the set win after finishing with a 10-3 run over Ruston to win 25-21 despite five Cauley kills.
Ruston bounced back quickly, however, in set three to win 25-11. As the Lady Bearcats were building a mid-set lead, junior Leigh Johnson gave the play of the night with a pancake dig to keep the Rebels from getting a kill point, leading to to Lady Bearcat score.
“I was pleased with all of my defensive specialists tonight,” Cauley said of Johnson, senior Camille Smith and sophomore Linzie Williams. “Leigh got that pancake dig and turned it into a point for us and it pumped everybody up. That was a fun play for her and a confidence booster, as well.”
In set four, Ruston held off another West Monroe rally to get a 25-22 win and clinch the 2025 district championship with a young roster.
Sophomore Bridget Crittenden finished the night with six kills, a block and an ace, while sophomore Naomi Smith added the match-winning kill for her ninth kill of the night.
“I thought Naomi came in with some really cluth swings and tips — she did a really good job,” Cauley said. “And Bridget also made some big plays. She’s a great athlete and a tremendous impact player for us. We’re working daily on her arm swing and the way she contacts the ball. She does a good job.”
Ruston returns to action Thursday, Sept. 25, at home against Airline. Freshmen start at 4 p.m., with junior varsity and then varsity scheduled afterward.
