Slidell setter Ava Labat knows that defending the Division I state title will not be easy.

But the senior seems unbothered by the task ahead as the reigning Louisiana MaxPreps Player of the Year is back after helping lead the Tigers to their first volleyball state championship since 1997.

“I think that it’s special, but it also puts a target on our backs,” said Labat about defending the title. “I think it is good pressure because it makes you want to show everybody what you’re supposed to be and prove to them that you’re the best.”

The 5-foot-8 Labat is certainly one of the best setters in the state. Last season, she recorded 1,302 assists (12.5 per set and second in the state) and dished out 42 in the four-set win over four-time defending state champion Dominican in the title match. Sh

See Full Page