Slidell setter Ava Labat knows that defending the Division I state title will not be easy.

But the senior seems unbothered by the task ahead as the reigning Louisiana MaxPreps Player of the Year is back after helping lead the Tigers to their first volleyball state championship since 1997.

"I think that it's special, but it also puts a target on our backs," said Labat about defending the title. "I think it is good pressure because it makes you want to show everybody what you're supposed to be and prove to them that you're the best."

The 5-foot-8 Labat is certainly one of the best setters in the state. Last season, she recorded 1,302 assists (12.5 per set and second in the state) and dished out 42 in the four-set win over four-time defending state champion Dominican in the title match. She also had 278 digs, 84 kills and 26 aces last season.

Slidell coach Danny Tullis has actually known Labat for years since her older sister played for him at Pope John Paul II.

"I push her harder than I would if I didn't know her so well," Tullis said. "Coming into this season with one of the best setters back from last year, that's always a plus because she has to touch the ball every time. That's super important."

Tullis credited Labat for growing her intellectual understanding of the sport throughout her high school career.

"As soon as Coach Tullis came here, I knew we had a chance to win a state title," Labat said. "I started as a freshman, and I played for him in club that same year. I know what he expects, so he really doesn't have to teach as much. I can help the girls on the team know what to expect."

Labat said she has been around the sport her whole life since her sister played, and she said setting has always been her focus.

"I feel like I have always set," Labat said. "Sometimes I played right side growing up, but I just always set. I like that I can run everything and control what is going to happen. I'm always telling people where to hit, so I love playing a big role in the offense."

This offseason, Labat said she focused on improving her defense since the Tigers graduated several key players on the backline.

"Last year, she would be in a spot and not react," Tullis said. "This year, she's getting into a spot and reacting and moving to the ball. Her blocking has always been a strength too, even though she is not that big. That shows her athletic ability. She's just a really solid player."

The Tigers have several experienced seniors returning from last year, including middle Ava Barduca, right side hitter Addyson Dowell, middle hitter Cailyn Bergeron and defensive specialist Ella Spilling. Payton Rowbatham and Lillian Simpson will be key defensive players on the backline.

"We know that we're going to get everyone's best shot," Barduca said. "We just have to remember where we came from and play together. Everyone has each other's backs, and I think that will be important. We know we have to pass the ball and put it down every time."

Labat has also embraced an enhanced leadership role on the team.

"It's important for me to stay positive and vocal, so I can lift up my teammates," she said. "For me, if I'm extra loud and positive, it helps me stay focused and make the right decisions."

With Labat back, the Tigers' offense should be fast-paced, but Tullis knows that defending a state title is always a challenge.

"We've got a lot of pieces, so we just have to have them playing well at the right time," he said.

"This team hasn't won anything. We're defending what last year's team did, so we have to win it this year. We're defending the title, but we're not champions until we win it. That's kind of been our mantra. We need to see who is going to step up and do what has to be done to win it again."