Nick Fontenot, Special to The Advertiser Published 3:27 p.m. CT Nov. 12, 2019

Find out what they're listening to before the game, who they're excited to go up against this season, and more. Caitlin Jacob, Daily Advertiser

YOUNGSVILLE The 2019 season brought new challenges for Ascension Episcopal volleyball coach Jill Braun.

The Blue Gators graduated a veteran group of seniors who had been playing together and contributing since eighth grade. Gone are the likes of Addie Vidrine and Hannah Mattke to hold down the storied tradition of Ascension Volleyball.

More: New chapter begins for Ascension volleyball

But dont think Braun wasnt up for the challenge. In fact, as the Blue Gators prepare for their quarterfinal matchup against Pope John Paul II, Braun said the 2019 season has been one of her most rewarding.

I think part of the reason we coach is to step up to the challenge, Braun said. Its to see what we have and make the pieces that we have work to the best of our ability and form the best team possible. We embraced it and we were ready for the challenge.

Head Coach Jill Braun as the Ascension Blue Gators in the first round of the Spooktacular Volleyball Tournament at ESA. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019.(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/THE ADVERTISER)

Ive been saying since the beginning of the season that this is a new chapter for Ascension volleyball.

The beginning as expected saw its share of bumps in the road, but the Blue Gators have found their stride at the right time, according to Braun. Ascension is led on the court by Abigail Hall, who had some experience hitting and setting last year for the Blue Gators. They also got a transfer from Dunham, Janai Stevens, who Braun said really meshed with the team immediately.

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This is a whole new crop of girls and I just really asked them to trust the process, Braun said. We just have a lot of new faces and new players on the floor together. I knew it would take a little bit longer to put the pieces together and I am really pleased with the progress they made throughout the season. Theyve really come together and theyre playing the best they have all season.

The Blue Gators switched to a 5-1 offensive set early in the season and Kira Braun, an eighth-grader and Jills daughter, emerged as the 5-1 setter. Ascension has a mixture of girls who just waited their turn behind such a talented group of graduating seniors.

We play an eighth-grader, three sophomores, one junior and a few seniors, Braun said. I would say we are a mixed group.

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Braun said she feels good about Thursdays quarterfinal matchup with Pope John Paul II and their talented senior, Ansley Tullis. Braun said when the Blue Gators play with intensity, they can compete with anyone.

Pope John Paul has always been a strong, well-coached program, Braun said. Ansley Tullis, for the last two years, has been an outstanding player. You never go in taking them lightly.

We just have to play our game. If we serve tough and cut down the errors while playing with a lot of intensity. I feel like we are competitive against whoever is on the other side of the net. With the way my team is playing right now, I am confident our best effort will be taking the floor Thursday.

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Ascension Episcopal volleyball rises to the challenge ahead of state quarterfinals - Daily Advertiser