Sports Report November 18, 2025

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Volleyball

In a thrilling showdown in the Lafayette Cajundome, the Newman Greenies (29-9) captured the Division IV state championship title by defeating top-seeded The Dunham School with a sweep of three sets (28-26, 25-18, 25-20). After a tight first set that featured a late comeback, the Greenies dominated the next two sets by combining consistent offense and strong defense.

Facebook: Varsity Sports Now

Leading the charge was junior standout LeiLani Reid. She was named the match’s Most Outstanding Player after tallying 11 kills, two aces and two blocks.

In her post-game interview, Reid credited the team’s senior leadership and collective investment in each other for the win.

Instagram: @lhsaasports

Head Coach Colleen Loerzel also remarked on the special nature of this senior class and their perseverance through both personal and athletic challenges. Senior captains Caroline Beahm (six kills) and Jesse Lambert (two aces, 13 digs) were at the heart of it all. Beahm delivered key kills and presence at the net throughout the bracket, including the six kills in her final high school game. Lambert anchored the back-row and serve-receive, piling up digs and two aces in the title match. Their poise under pressure and willingness to lead set the tone for the whole unit. Also contributing were Jailly Vance (nine kills, three blocks), Nola Borges (18 assists, 15 digs), Cori Cenac (four blocks) and Susu Milling (16 assists).

Instagram: @newmanvb

Instagram: @newmanvb

This title run, in which the Greenies refused to yield a single set throughout the five-game post-season, marks a significant milestone for Newman’s volleyball program, adding a 19th state championship to its storied legacy and reinforcing its reputation as one of Louisiana’s elite programs. The Greenies’ balanced attack, clutch execution and disciplined defense made the difference, and the fans should be proud of a season well played.

Facebook: Varsity Sports Now

Congratulations to the team, coaches and the entire Newman community! This championship isn’t just a trophy; it’s proof that grit, belief, teamwork, and leadership deliver at the highest level.

Go Greenies!

—David Beahm, Green N White Club Sports Reporter

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For Varsity Sports Now’s video coverage and post-match interviews on Facebook, click here.

For NOLA.com’s “Newman’s defensive surge fuels sweep of No. 1 Dunham for 19th volleyball state title,” click here.

For The Advocate’s “Dunham still positive for future as Tigers fall in Division IV volleyball state title match,” click here.

Cross Country

The cross country season came to an incredible conclusion at the LHSAA Cross Country State Championship in Natchitoches yesterday. The weather was warmer than expected for mid-November, but the teams had impressive results. The girls raced first, finishing third place overall in team competition. Leading the girls was Sophie Nguyen, who placed eighth overall with a time of 20:45, followed by Emma Grace Stewart (26th), Molly Lambert (33rd), Markie Batten (34th), Heidi Smith (35th), Megan Zurik (39th), and Caroline Kuuskraa (44th). Full results for the girls can be found here.

Instagram: newman_track_xc

The boys ran in the second-to-last race of the day, and came home with the State Runner-Up Trophy for the third consecutive year, finishing second place overall in team competition. This result is a testament to the effort of each runner on the team, as they beat out the third place contender by a mere four points! Logan DeGruy placed fourth overall with a time of 16:08, followed by Rivers Lelong (11th), Tripp de Laureal (20th), Michael Madigan (24th), Asher McCoul (28th), Trey Nguyen (38th), and Frederick Finger (56th). Full results for the boys can be found here.

Instagram: newman_track_xc

The presentation of All-Academic Awards no longer takes place at the state meet, so we look forward to the honoring of our LHSAA Academic All State Team Members at Newman's own Academic Awards Assembly. Congratulations to the entire team on an excellent season!

Instagram: newman_track_xc

Way to go, Newman Cross Country!

—Tracy Morton DeGruy, ‘98, Green N White Club Sports Reporter

Football

The Greenies will face off against the Holy Savior Menard Central High School of Alexandria on Friday (11/21) at 7pm at Lupin Field for a Division III Select Regional Playoff game. The Greenies (6-2) are coming off a bye last week where they were able to rest, heal, and study.

The Eagles (7-4) defeated Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies 47-0 at their home field last Friday. Their star running back rushed for 183 yards on 11 carries for a career high four touchdowns. Their offense ended up with 222 rushing yards, a season high, and 148 passing yards, while their defense defended their home turf with a shutout.

After the Greenies dropped their first two games, senior captain Jake Randle and crew righted the ship and have won six in a row. In the last two games, the Greenies have won by a margin of 28 points while the Green Machine defense gave perennial powerhouse South Plaquemines High School its first shutout at home in a very long time.

The Eagle Nation will be making the three-hour drive for Friday’s game and it reportedly travels strong. Fortunately, the Greenie Swamp and Newman Band will be in full effect, so bring your crew early, get a good seat, and cheer our boys on to their first round playoff victory as they march toward the championship at the Superdome.

Swimming

Instagram: @newman_swimming

The swim team has been gearing up for the Division III state meet in Sulfur, with preliminaries tomorrow (11/19) and finals on Thursday morning (11/20).

With new standout team members of the team, the Greenies are seeded the best they've been since moving up from Division IV.

The girls' team looks poised to make a great run at the state meet in both individual and relay performances.

Wish the Greenies luck and tune into live updates through Instagram’s @newman_swimming. Go Greenies!

Girls Basketball

The girls basketball team is excited to begin the 2025-26 season this week with two games. Today (11/18), the Greenies will open the season at home in the Palaestra at 5:30pm in a game against Pearl River High School. The game will be shown on Varsity Sports Now here.

On Thursday (11/20), the team has an away game at Northlake Christian School in Covington.

Spirits are high for this season. Unfortunately, the players were hit by the injury bug, so some of the team will not be able to participate in the early games. On the other hand, the team is sure to improve substantially throughout the season as players return!

The seniors on this year’s team are Amari Jones, Sophia Mills, Maggie Richardson, Jessica Taranto, and Madison Williams. The juniors are Jane McEachin, Sarah Blair Montgomery, and Brooklyn Westley, and the underclassmen are Katherine Aucoin and Breigha Leal, Piper Christian, Kiyari Ivey, and Jordin Daniels. Good luck, Greenies!

Boys Basketball

Newman Greenies Gear Up for Another Exciting Basketball Season with Back-to-Back Home Games at Palestra Arena

The wait is finally over Uptown as the Newman Greenies prepare to launch another thrilling season of boys’ basketball. With expectations high and energy building across campus, the Greenies will open their 2025-26 campaign with two home games this week inside the Palaestra’s iconic Fitzgerald-Skertich Arena.

After a strong offseason filled with development, conditioning, and competitive summer action, Newman enters the new year focused, hungry, and determined to build on the momentum created last season. Coaches and players alike are eager to showcase their growth, chemistry, and renewed commitment to excellence on both ends of the court.

Season Opener Spotlight

The Greenies will tip off their season Wednesday night (11/19) 6pm versus New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy, giving fans their first look at this year’s roster. From veteran leadership to rising underclassmen ready to take larger roles, Newman brings a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent.

Thursday’s (11/20) matchup at 6pm against Eleanor McMain Secondary School marks the second half of the back-to-back home stand, offering another chance for the Greenie faithful to pack arena and set the tone for the season ahead.

Two games. Two nights. One goal start off strong! Go Greenies!

Reminder on Spirit Items

Members and sponsors, if you weren’t able to pick up your spirit items at the Green N White Club tent at the football games, please stop by the Athletic Office during the week to collect your gear.

Thank you!

Upcoming Schedule

See the latest Newman sports schedule here and purchase individual home game tickets here. Thank you for supporting Newman athletics, its teams, players, coaches, and administration.