Credentials: St. Thomas More junior outside hitter Catherine Aillet played a critical role in the Lady Cougars running their overall record to 32-0 last week with totals of 14 aces, 44 digs, 4 blocks and 47 kills.
“Catherine has been one of our most consistent players all year long,” STM coach Jessica Burke said. “She really takes up a lot of space (near net) and defensively. She also does a good job of keeping things positive when things go wrong or mistakes are made.”
Background: A year ago, Aillet began to make an impact on the program. She was involved in a seesaw battle for playing time most of the season and then secured a starting spot late going into the postseason run that ended with the program’s third straight state crown.
“She always had the ability,” Burke described Aillet’s ascent to the starting role a year ago. “I guess it was just a matter of her deciding to step up and shine.”
Lagniappe: Aillet currently leads the nation’s No. 23-ranked club, according to MaxPreps, in both kills and aces. “She’s been impressive all year long. She’s definitely carried the momentum from last year into this season.”
