Patterson Lumberjills looking for more in 2016

The Patterson Lumberjills went through growing pains in 2015 as the squad finished with an 8-19 mark and failed to qualify for the Division IV playoffs.
Now, with three returning seniors and a more experienced squad, Coach Chasity Toups said she hopes her team can make a postseason run this year.
“We are capable of doing great things, just have to show up each and every game ready to play like we can,” Toups said.
The Lumberjills will be led by three seniors: Makayla Ruiz, Erykah Singleton and Kaitlynn Spradling.
“I’m expecting great things to come from them, along with strong leadership,” Toups said.
Patterson will participate in tournaments at Morgan City (Sept. 15, 17) and Highland Baptist (Oct. 15).
Nondistrict opponents include Franklin, Ellender, Berwick, Morgan City and Thibodaux.
In district, the Lumberjills will face West St. Mary, Notre Dame, Catholic High-New Iberia and David Thibodaux.
Notre Dame is a perennial state title contender who fell in the Division IV semifinals a year ago.
“Our schedule is what we make it out to be,” Toups said. “If we show up to play like I know we can, we’ll compete with everyone on it. Our district is very competitive. Notre Dame is Notre Dame. They made it to the semifinals last year. Everyone else will be very beatable. Being in a tough district will only make us a stronger team. Our biggest opponent will be ourselves, like I keep saying. We are the test to our own destiny.”
In addition to Ruiz, Singleton and Spradling, other members of this year’s team are: Makenna Lagarde, Savanna Richard, Katelyn Larson, Madison Paul, Briyanna Butler, Kara Lawrence, Alayah Williams, Crislin Sauce, Maddelyn Harrington, Emma Marin, Kiora Grady, Josie Merida, Tapanga Haven, Gabrielle Marcel, Morgan Jones and Ashlynn Rock.
Patterson opens its season Thursday when it hosts Franklin in a 4 p.m. contest.