The LHSAA volleyball playoffs get underway today for both local schools as Natchitoches Central and St. Mary’s play host to first-round matches.
NCHS (25-5) is the 16th seed in Division I and will meet No. 17 Dutchtown (20-14) at 6 this evening. Coach Mindy Stokes’ team has won its last seven matches.
In her first season as coach in 2025, Stokes led the Lady Chiefs to their first-ever state tournament berth.
St. Mary’s is seeded ninth in the Division IV bracket under coach Stacey Aldredge. The Lady Tigers (20-7) host 24th-seeded St. Edmund (10-14) at 5 o’clock today. It will be the first home playoff game in program history and the third straight postseason appearance under Aldredge, a former Northwestern standout.
St. Mary’s has won nine of its last 11 matches.