Team Profile: Lake Catholic (Mentor, OH)
In this article:
The state’s top-ranked team in Division III is currently 8-1 overall and establishing themselves as a key threat for a deep postseason run with hopes of bettering their state semifinal appearance last season. One key difference is that they make…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe state’s top-ranked team in Division III is currently 8-1 overall and establishing themselves as a key threat for a deep postseason run with hopes of bettering their state semifinal appearance last season. One key difference is that they make the shift from DII to DIII but have proven their abilities over the first half of the season as they have already earned wins over Ohio powers Magnificat and Gilmour Academy. Here are some of their key athletes.
Katie Sowko
Katie
Sowko
6'0" | OH
Lake Catholic | 2024
State
OH
– 2024
The junior outside hitter has been the biggest offensive weapon this season as she is averaging 4.6 kills per set while hitting at a .375 efficiency. At 6’0, Sowko has impressive movement on the ball at the top of her jump as she challenges blockers well. She can also get in done defensively as she is among team leaders collecting nearly 11 digs per match. She had a terrific day recently as Lake Catholic went unbeaten with three 2-0 wins over Kenston, Magnificat, and Gilmour Academy over which she averaged a team high 5.5 kills.
Hannah Pattie
Hannah
Pattie
5'7" | S
Lake Catholic | 2024
State
OH
– 2024
Recently surpassing the 1,600 assists mark for her career, Pattie is the leader of this team with floor direction and competitiveness. She currently averages a career high 11.1 assists per set and for good reason given her ability to locate the ball for attackers that are finding good terminating success.
Natalya Bergant – 2025
Another 6’0 attacker for the Cougars, Bergant is a big contributor on the right side of the court. She currently averages 2.7 kills per set and is a difficult task for opposing defenses with her size and left-hand swing. She has good length and has increased the assertiveness on the court in commanding opportunities and swinging aggressively. Defensively, she is a big key to their blocking success and averages 1.8 blocks per match.
Emma Briganti
Emma
Briganti
5'3" | DS/L
Lake Catholic | 2023
State
OH
– 2023
The defensive leader for this team is Briganti. At 11.1 digs per match, the 5’3 senior surpassed the 1,000 digs mark for her career recently while maintaining her contributions at the service line with good pressure to take opponents out of system. She has good quickness and range to cover a lot of the court in both serve receive and defensively that helps create quality opportunities for their offense.