First-year East St. John High School head volleyball coach Halle Gayten came into the 2017 season with a goal to bring her team to the Pontchartrain Center this November to compete in the playoffs.

Gayten anticipated an adjustment period at the beginning of the season to allow the team to become acquainted with her. Thus far, the Lady Wildcats have overcome potential challenges and entered this week with a 9-4 record. The team’s success comes down to strength in teamwork, according to Gayten.

“They have the ability to work together and come together when down,” she said. “It’s about having chemistry as a team.”

Noting that the team is comprised of many returning players and that ESJH did not have the most successful season last year, Gayten said there was a need to address some problems the team has seen in the past.

Her main focus has been getting players to stay focused in the midst of a game and finish strong.

“Sometimes they’ll have a lead, and then they get comfortable and let the other team rack up points,” she said. “I’ve been telling them to finish, finish, finish.”
According to Gayten, seniors Chardea Berthelot, Tanisha Spencer, starting setter Jamayia Haynes and junior Dorian Brown have been standouts this season, instrumental to the team’s success.

The Lady Wildcats play Donaldsonville this evening and Hahnville Thursday.

— By Brooke Robichaux