By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The Riverside Lady Rebels entered Thursday’s district contest with John Curtis knowing they had already locked up a share of the 10-2A crown.

But against the Patriots, starting pitcher Chelsey Stein and the Rebels let it be known that they weren’t interested in sharing a thing.

Stein pitched a no-hitter to lead Riverside as the Rebels defeated visiting Curtis 2-0, officially ending the Lady Patriots two-year reign as district champions.

 Stein walked three and struck out four in the game. Most importantly, she let no Curtis runner cross the plate in a game where runs were tough to come by for her team – unlike the Rebels’ eight district contests before Thursday. Riverside had previously scored seven runs or more in each 10-2A contest, with six games of 11 or more.

Stein’s job was even more impressive considering the circumstances it came in. A freshman making only her fifth start of the season, Stein got the call when usual starter Heidi Garcich was unable to go due to an ankle sprain.

“Chelsey did a great job,” said Roussel. “With Heidi out, we’ve been getting our younger kids some experience.”

Jessica Price led the Rebels at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double. Ayla Vicknair was 2-for-3.

Vicknair drove home the Rebels’ first run in the first inning, as she singled to bring home Marci Millet and put the Rebels up 1-0.

That’s what the score remained until the sixth inning. Lauren Falgoust singled to bring Price home, making it 2-0.