Early Hahnville surge propels Lady Tigers past ESJ, 6-0

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 22, 2008

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Hahnville remained strong in its bid to secure the third playoff spot in District 6-I, defeating East St. John 6-0 at Hahnville on Friday.

The Lady Tigers (10-9-3, 4-4) remain in a tie with St. Amant for third place behind Dutchtown (8-0 in District 6-I) and East Ascension (6-2).

East St. John Coach Jason Beber said that his team played a stronger second half than first, after Hahnville propelled ahead 5-0 in the first half.

“It was a pretty well-played game for us,” Beber said. “We’re still fighting injuries. In the second half, we had some shots on goal, they just didn’t go.”

He says that he sees a big difference in his younger players.

“I think our freshman had a lot of nerves early in the year. Now they’re just playing. It’s coming together,” Beber said. “We were able to work on our passing, shooting, and crossing, and did a lot of it.”

A scary situation for East St. John (5-8, 0-8) manifested itself after the Wildcats’ Jailynn Arceneaux had to be carted from the field due to a concussion. The game was called with 15 minutes to go.

Arceneaux is recovering well since the injury occurred.

“She’s going to be okay,” said Beber. “They said it was a mild concussion. She’s feeling a little stiff.”

The Wildcats faced St. Amant on Tuesday, after press time, and will now turn their attention to a season-closing match against Dutchtown.

Hahnville, meanwhile, faced East Ascension yesterday and will face Destrehan on Friday night, which will determine its playoff destiny.