RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Riverside won 36 matches this year; became undefeated district champions for the second straight season; defeated all four of its intra-parish rivals; and finally advanced to the quarterfinals of the Pontchartrain Center’s state volleyball tournament.

So it’s little surprise that the Rebels boast three players and its coach on the L’Observateur’s All-St. John Parish team in 2007: Senior Marci Millet, juniors Heidi Garcich and Jessica Price, and Coach Toni Miano.

Millet, our team’s MVP in 2007, earned that spot not only by leading her team to the most victories in the parish and a No. 2 seed in Class 2A, but also amassed 701 kills – one of the best seasons of all time in Louisiana. All the while, Millet was also the team’s leading defensive player.

“Marci’s was our strongest player and she will leave a huge gap to fill next year,” said Riverside Coach Toni Miano. “Her leadership and integrity will truly be missed by her teammates and coaches.”

Garcich missed time early in the season with a shoulder injury, but came back with a vengeance – even while being forced to hit and serve left-handed for a period of time.

“Heidi is a phenomenal athlete with a huge heart, and is our best all-around player. Look out for her next season,” Miano said.

Price was the team’s table setter, with her passes often setting up any one of Millet’s 701 kills. She was also the team’s leading server, pacing the Rebels in aces.

“Jessica always displays great sportsmanship with a terrific attitude. She is a true team player,” Miano said.

Riverside boasted an overall record of 36-4 this season, and overall in the past two years Miano has piloted her team to a 72-11 record, with two district championships. She edges out St. Charles’ Brandy Ryan for 2007 Coach of the Year honors, who also captained her team to an undefeated district crown this season.

The Comets finished their season at a record of 25-16, and dominated their district – they finished 8-0 in their matches, and only lost one game in the eight contests,

They were led in large part by two of its senior representatives on the All-St. John roster – Lauren Coniglio and Katie Tregre.

Coniglio doubled as one of the team’s most powerful hitters and dangerous defenders, notching a number of blocks and kills at key times throughout the season.

“Lauren was really a true leader for our team, along with Katie,” said Ryan. “She really came a long way this year with her blocking. She kept improving as the year went on. They are just great workers who really cared about our team.”

Tregre, Ryan said, had tremendous ability both offensively and defensively, and showed it all year long.

“I always knew I was getting her best from her,” said Ryan. “She’s one of those rare athletes that can see the entire floor, even while in the air. She has a tremendous ability in tipping the ball to open spots.”

The Comet duo came up big in the team’s regional win over Cecilia in the Pontchartrain Center, as Tregre led the team with five kills, and Coniglio led the way defensively with five blocks.

West St. John finished third in its district this season, barely missing the postseason with a 4-4 district record. The lack of a postseason did not stop seniors Destani Comminie and Tranell Mitchell from each turning in tremendous seasons, though. They each represent the Rams on the All-St. John team.

Comminie’s specialties included a strong serve that often skimmed over the net as it whizzed by defenders, and a major presence at the net, where she blocked the opposition regularly.

“She’s one of my very best defensively at the net,” said WSJ Coach Glenda Rush. “She’s such a strong, passionate leader for us.”

Mitchell, meanwhile, used an array of offensive maneuvers to often lead the Rams in kills. If she didn’t, then Comminie surely did.

“Her placement this year was better than ever before,” said Rush. “She and Destani both matured so much. I’ve had them since the eighth grade here, and this year they never hesitated to encourage others and help them to develop their skills.”