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Vandebilt baseball beats St. Louis Catholic, advances to first LHSAA final since 1996

Vandebilt Catholic baseball is heading to its first LHSAA state championship baseball game since 1996.

The No. 3-seed Terriers defeated Division II state power No. 2 St. Louis Catholic 3-1 in the semifinals held at McNeese State University in Lake Charles on Wednesday.

Vandebilt (30-8) will play University Lab in the Division II state championship game at 7 p.m. Friday at Alumni Field on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.

Vandebilt coach Chad Menard said it was an emotional win.

“It’s pure elation," Menard said. "I just think about the kids and the work they put in throughout their lives and careers along with our administration, faculty, coaches and fans. It’s just the bond they created. It’s the culmination of so much work they have put in. I’m happy for them. We put ourselves in a situation where we still have to work and get ready to play for a championship on Friday."

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Vandebilt is looking to win its first LHSAA state title in baseball since 1971. Vandebilt avenged a 4-1 loss to St. Louis in the Division II semifinals in 2021. They were state runner-ups in 1992 and 1996.

St. Louis was the defending Division II state champions who have won four LHSAA titles in its school history.

Dominic Archila hit a single that scored Vandebilt's winning run in the top of the seventh inning. Eli David added a triple that scored Vandebilt's third run. Jean-Luc Lapeyre went 2-for-4 with two runs.

Vandebilt senior pitcher Owen Schexnaydre, who stands at 6-foot-5, 250-pounds, struck out seven, allowing three hits and didn't give up a run.

“Owen performed as big as his stature is," Menard said. "He’s a big man. He put us on his back and let everybody know he’s not losing this game. He wanted to win not only with performance but body energy. We fed off it."

Reach Chris Singleton at 985-857-2213 or chris.singleton@houmatoday.com and on Twitter @courierchris.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Vandebilt baseball beats St. Louis in LHSAA Division II semifinals