Bearcats earn No. 7 seed in playoffs, host Woodlawn-B.R.

Ruston volleyball will begin its 2023 playoff run already making history.

The Bearcats (27-12) officially earned the No. 7 seed in the Division I playoff field on Monday, the highest playoff seed in program history.

It’s also the first time ever the Bearcats have a chance to host two playoff games, should they defeat No. 26 Woodlawn-Baton Rouge (18-15) in the first round on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Woodlawn lost in the first round of the playoffs last year to Archbishop Chapelle.

"We exceeded expectations, and we have goals, but this was not something we were focused on but it's pretty amazing and I'm super proud of the girls because that's a milestone accomplishment to be in the top-10," Ruston head coach Amanda Cauley said. "I think it puts us in a good position and that's what I'm going to tell the girls is we still have business to tend to. It’s not a free pass. Now, we just have to go play Ruston volleyball."

"Any team from down south is used to playing faster ball and so we’re going to have to be diligent in defense and quick on offense but we do have game film on them," Cauley said. "Sometimes, you can know your opponent but it's going to be about us showing up and executing well and that’s focus when we practice.

"And we're asking for a sea of red for fans to please wear red and if they want to order a T-shirt they can go to Ruston Locker Room."

The Bearcats, the District 2-1 Champions, must win two playoff games to make the state tournament for the first time ever at the Cajundome down in Lafayette. Ruston won its first road playoff game ever last season before falling to eventual state champion Mt. Carmel in the second round.