First Baptist Christian School of Slidell’s Lady Eagles will make history on Tuesday afternoon when they host Bishop McManus at 5 p.m. It will be the first time the school has ever competed in Louisiana High School Athletic Association competition.

The school, which has been in existence since 1989, made the commitment to play in LHSAA last school year.

“We are very excited about opening up the season,” said volleyball and cross-country coach Theresa Earhart, who is also the school’s athletic director and assistant administrator. “It’s been a long run. It’s a rebuilding year, but we’re getting one step closer.”

First Baptist Christian School coach Theresa Earhart is pictured talking to her team during Tuesday'€™s practice. (Staff Photo by Chris Kinkaid) Pic. 3: First Baptist Christian School'€™s Sara Jones is pictured making a pass during a drill at Tuesday'€™s practice. The Lady Eagles open their initial season as a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association by hosting Bishop McManus at 5 p.m. (Staff Photo by Chris Kinkaid)

This year, the Lady Eagles will compete District 6-V with 2007 State Champion Northlake Christian School, Archbishop Hannan, Bishop McManus, Lutheran and Reserve Christian.

Earhart said she is looking forward to the challenge.

This year’s squad is young and features just one senior in Maigan Chambliss and one junior Keicia Spiers.

First Baptist’s captains are sophomore Hannah Jones and Sara Jones.

Hannah Jones said she is looking forward to the upcoming season.

“I’m ready for the competition and to get this game going,” Jones said. “It’s our first home game. I’m ready to get our school excited about this volleyball team.”

The First Baptist volleyball team has been successful playing outside of LHSAA. Last year, First Baptist went 14-0-1 with the tie coming against Northlake Christian.

Sophomore Jones said not competing in LHSAA for a state title last season was tough.

“It was kind of sad because it was like we were playing for nothing,” Jones said. “But it was good because we got to see who we are going up against (this) year.”

She added how confident she is in her team’s ability to compete.

“I think we are going to do pretty good,” Jones said. “I’m hoping were either going to be first or second.”

Earhart said the move to LHSAA means less traveling and better competition.

“We had a couple good years of volleyball with our team and wanted to make the effort. One of the major reasons was transportation, the cost and wanting to play schools that were more local. We (also) needed a little more competitive field,” Earhart said.

Earhart said preparing for this season has been a little different than in years past due to the jump in the level of competition.

“You’re playing against tougher teams,” Earhart said. “You’re playing against teams that are developed and you’re coming in as an underdog.”

The school will also take part in basketball and cross country.