By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – After a tough patch early in the fourth inning on Thursday, Riverside gathered itself, built some momentum and saw it snowball into a huge inning and decisive win.

That’s kind of how the Rebels’ softball season has gone so far.

Riverside began District 9-2A play with a bang, downing rival John Curtis 12-2 by the 10-run rule after a seven-run, fourth inning all but secured victory for the Rebels.

Curtis had cut a 4-0 lead to 4-2 in the top of the fourth before the Rebels’ big response.

Riverside (7-3, 1-0) has now won seven of eight games since starting the season 0-2.

“We’re in a groove right now,” said Riverside’s Kristy Milioto, who had a double and three RBIs. “It boosts our confidence so much when we’re hitting like we are.”

Destin Vicknair (6-3) tossed a two-hitter and struck out eight Patriot batters. She walked two. Neither of her runs allowed were earned.

“She threw a pretty good game,” said Riverside coach Kristy Hebert. “She was off on a few pitches, but she had to push through and trust her defense. It’s a strong defense backing her up.”

While Riverside took an early 4-0 lead, Curtis was starting to stir in the top of the fourth. With two outs, Curtis scored a run on a double and an error, then Alison Grabert slammed a double off of the right field wall to make it 4-2.

Riverside was more than ready to answer. Taylor Terrio and Katie Bailey each took walks with one out. Reliever Priscilla Burns came in and recorded the second out but began having trouble with her command. She walked Destin Vicknair to load the bases, then walked Kelsi Roussel to bring home a run. Courtesy runner Kaci Simon scored on a passed ball to make it 6-2, and Burns walked Kaitlyn Millet. Then courtesy runner Chelsie Cupit scored on a wild pitch, and Shea LaFountain singled to bring home the team’s eighth run.

Kristy Milioto delivered the biggest hit though to cap things off, doubling to bring home three runs then scoring herself on a Curtis miscue.

“I had no idea that they missed it,” said Milioto. “I took it to right field and just went with it from there.”

The Rebels clinched the win in five innings on Kori Bourgeois’ RBI single.

“When you put the ball in play consistently, you give the other team chances to make mistakes. And that’s something we’re doing well right now,” said Hebert. “The more you put it in play, the more chances you have to succeed, no matter who you’re up against.”

Roussel delivered an RBI double in the first inning to put her team up 2-0. Cupit scored later in the frame on a passed ball to make it 3-0. Millet’s RBI single in the third made it 4-0.

REBELS SWEEP SOUTH BEAUREGARD: Last Saturday, the Rebels traveled to South Beauregard and swept a doubleheader.

The Rebels downed the Knights 4-1 in the first game and 8-2 in the second.

Riverside scored three runs in the third inning to take control. Vicknair doubled home two runs to help her own cause on the mound, and Roussel singled home another in the inning.

Vicknair (5-3) allowed five hits and one earned run on a first-inning home run. She struck out four. At the plate, she finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Roussel and Bailey each went 2-for-4.

Chelsey Stein (1-0) earned her first win of the season in the second game, tossing a three-hitter.

The Rebels scored six runs in the seventh inning after South Beauregard has rallied to erase a 2-0 RA lead.

Vicknair (3-for-4) and Bourgeois each collected two RBIs.

Roussel went 3-for-4. LaFountain and Millet each collected a pair of hits.