Mandeville defeats Destrehan in bi-district

Mandeville’s Lady Skippers knocked of the Destrehan Lady Wildcats on the road Monday, 25-14, 25-16, 25-17, in the bi-district round of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state volleyball playoffs.

MHS (28-10), the No. 11 seed, was sparked by freshman Katie Lindelow with eight kills, 14 digs and three aces. Senior libero Kana Koenig delivered 20 digs. Elizabeth Rinaudo led the way with 11 assists along with a team-high four aces.

Rinaudo said it was a great win.

“We came out with a bunch of confidence. We were pumped up ready to play. It was another step to get our confidence up to play Chalmette, which is a very good team in the next round,” Rinaudo said.

MHS’ Summer Burglass finished with nine assists, Melanie Gaines tallied five kills and Nichole Freeman added three blocks.

MHS coach Christy Sanantonio said her club took care of business.

“I encouraged our players to come out with a lot of energy since we were playing away. Destrehan had a number of fans at the match. Our players stayed focused and gave the extra effort,” Sanantonio said.

Sanantonio said the key to victory was the Lady Skippers’ passing led by Koenig, who placed the ball where setters Rinaudo and Burglass could have options on the front line.

Sanantonio credited her two senior setters with doing a good job.

The Lady Skippers advance to the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner to meet the Chalmette Lady Owls this afternoon at 3:15 in the regional round. Chalmette, a No. 6 seed, defeated Sulphur in the bi-district round, 25-16, 25-10, 25-17.