By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

After a loss on the road Saturday to Rayne, Riverside spent much of this week making some adjustments for the approaching stretch run – particularly on defense.

If you were to ask anyone from visiting Grace King and Lutcher this week, their answers would likely sound pretty similar: whatever the Rebels did, it worked out great.

Riverside defeated Grace King Tuesday in four games, 25-12, 25-15, 24-26 and 25-13. Thursday, the rebels turned their attention to Lutcher, and Riverside downed the Bulldogs 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, and 25-20.

The Lutcher (12-8, 3-1) game in particular showed the strength of the Rebel defense – the team had 122 digs in the match, effectively stymieing the Bulldogs momentum at many key points.

&#8220Our defense kept us in tonight’s match, and that allowed our offense to keep the pressure on,” said Riverside Coach Toni Miano. &#8220We worked diligently learning a new defense this week, and it paid off for us.”

Riverside’s Marci Millet continued a strong senior season with 18 kills and 23 digs. Heidi Garcich had 21 digs. Ashley Forstall had 29 digs and 20 assists, each leading the Rebels (16-2). Kaitlyn Millet had 15 kills and a team-leading three blocks.

Miano praised Forstall’s efforts in the match, calling her one of the keys to the win.

&#8220Ashley was exceptional tonight playing defense, then transitioning to setter,” Miano said.

In the victory over Grace King, Garcich led the team with four aces. Marci Millet had 22 kills and Kaitlyn Miller added 20 digs. Shaney Borne led the Rebels with six blocks, and Forstall notched 29 assists.

Riverside will have one more tune-up before its district opener Tuesday at St. James. The Rebels will take part in the Lutcher tournament on Saturday, which will pit Riverside against some stiff competition, including St. Charles, Destrehan and Dutchtown.