Ascension Catholic punched its ticket to the state softball tournament in Sulphur with a 11-5 quarterfinal win over St. Frederick.
The Bulldogs (16-11) are led by a first-year head coach in Chance Colomb and a squad with no seniors. ACHS won state titles in 1995, 1999 and 2000 plus four runner up finishes. The last time the Bulldogs played in Sulphur was in 2018, losing in the semifinals.
Colomb and assistant coach Stacie Grant have been heavily involved in travel softball for many years, but the opportunity to run a high school program with a deep history came and they agreed to do it.
“I have coached travel ball along with Stacie, she has 30 years of experience and is an incredible mentor to me. ACHS offered me the opportunity to become a first-year head coach and I cannot thank the administration and athletic director enough, they trusted us with the girls,” Colomb said.
The Bulldogs rely on solid pitching, defense and timely hitting. Junior catcher Aubrey Delatte has hit 14 home runs this season and her play on defense has been outstanding.
Freshmen Ava Gauthe leads the staff with a 2.9 era and has 75 strikeouts. Gauthe, also plays shortstop, is the top hitter with a .543 average and 21 doubles.
Freshmen London Pennison has come on lately in the circle and has both playoff victories. “Stacie calls our pitches and works closely with that group. Ava and London are a good combination with their pitching styles,” said Colomb.
The rest of the lineup is led by junior outfielders Sydney Viallon and Katie Marroy. Viallon has been offered to play college softball and Marroy is an athlete. “The leadership for our team with no seniors has come from Aubrey, Sydney and Katie, our girls get along very well,” Colomb said.
The infield is young, but talented with several key players. Freshmen Caroline Diez and Hayden Theriot play the corner spots and have played well. Theriot ranks second on the team in home runs behind Delatte.
Middle infielders Lillie Young and Emma Delatte are eighth graders, but don’t play like young players. Freshmen Elizabeth Walker plays right field, and her defense has been solid. Zuri Simien, a ninth grader, and Ainsley Allen, eighth grade, are key contributors.
Freshmen Sophie Crochet plays outfield and hits in the lineup, she has battled some late season injuries.
ACHS set its goals coming into the season, knowing the schedule would be difficult. “Our goals were written on the board, win district and Sulphur. We went undefeated in district and made it to Sulphur, our journey is not over. We are happy to get the program back to where it should be, I am incredibly proud of this team,” Colomb said.
The other teams in the semifinals are traditional powers in Catholic Point Coupee and Opelousas Catholic along with Sacred Heart, teams that have had great seasons so far.
“This field is incredibly talented with hitting and pitching. Coach Stacie has done a phenomenal job with our game plans this season. We will have a plan for our opponent, the scouting will be huge for sure,” Colomb said.
Colomb certainly is excited for this opportunity to bring another state championship to ACHS, but he knows its all a process. “I am where I am supposed to be, not without the help of Coach Rick Fremin (Southeastern Head Softball) as a mentor and Coach Stacie, her leadership and guidance is second to none,” said Colomb.
With a 12-noon game on Friday, it comes down to execution and playing loose. “This team has the most fight of any teams I have coached. Their drive is unmatched, and no game is over until the last out is made. We hope to have a huge following on Friday, our parents, students and fans have been great. Our motto is to cause chaos. That’s been our plan and the girls are ready,” said Colomb.