By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

West St. John was on the verge of its second win of the season on Monday, after taking the first two games in its matchup at home with South Plaquemines.

But just as the Rams saw a 2-0 lead against St. James slip away in the opening game of the season, the Hurricanes came roaring back. South Plaquemines won the third, fourth, and fifth games to win the match, 14-25, 19-25, 25-18, 25-23, and 15-12.

&#8220It was a very good game, back and forth the entire time,” said West St. John Coach Glenda Rush. &#8220The players really applied what they learned about the South Plaquemines girls as far as attacking their weak points, and it allowed us to stay in the game.”

Senior Destani Comminie paced the Rams with seven kills, while fellow senior Tranell Mitchell notched four of her own. Comminie and Mitchell each had two aces. Kyla Morris had eight digs to lead the Rams.

The fourth game was the swing point of the matchup, a nail-biter that almost saw the Rams celebrating a victory on their home floor. South Plaquemines squeaked by for a two-point victory that came down to the very end.

&#8220Some serves and other things didn’t fall the way we needed them to,” Rush said. &#8220We had opportunities to win, but it just didn’t fall that way.”

Despite the loss in the match, Rush said that the team could certainly take a number of positives from the experience.

&#8220The girls never gave up. Sometimes in the past, you’d see that ‘give up’ look on their faces. Not this time,” Rush said. &#8220They fought beginning to end as a team. I’m very proud of their effort.”

On Thursday, the Rams attempted to rebound as it hosted E.D. White at home. But West St. John appeared to hit a wall after the tough contest of two days prior. E.D. White prevailed in three games, 25-16, 25-7, and 25-10.

&#8220It was an off-night, very much so,” Rush said. &#8220Our top players were not at the top of their games. In a game like that, all you can do is ride it out until next time.

Mitchell led the team in digs, with five, and blocks, with two.

West St. John (1-4) will travel to face Reserve Christian this Monday at 4 p.m.