By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

HARAHAN – Headed into a key district showdown with rival St.Charles on Tuesday, Riverside has to be pleased with its recent efforts, taking three consecutive wins on the road this past week culminating with a 4-3 come-from-behind win over Dominican at Harahan Playground Wednesday.

Katie Bailey was the hero of the day, drilling a bases-clearing three-run double to lift Riverside to a 4-3 lead in the top of the seventh inning.

Destin Vicknair slammed the door in the bottom half of the inning to nail down a win in a game that Riverside (16-7) trailed in from the second inning on.

“We kept our composure,” said Riverside coach Kristy Hebert. “We fought back to take the lead after being down all day, and then once we did we held them in the bottom

half. I think we really grew up as a team in that game.”

With one out in the seventh, Kristy Milioto and Aimee Williamson each singled. Shea LaFountain walked to load the bases. That brought on Bailey.

The freshman had struggled going into that at bat.

“She was a little down. She struck out and flew out earlier,” said Hebert. “She came up in that spot, and I kept stressing to stay positive. She got a hold of one … we know she’s capable of that. It was a great job by a freshman to step up there.”

Vicknair finished her day having allowed five hits. She struck out six to move to 15-6 on the season.

Dominican had scored two second-inning runs and one in the fifth. Riverside’s first run came in the fifth.

On Tuesday, a fast start propelled the Rebels at John Curtis as Riverside (15-7, 4-1) rolled up a 10-0 win by the 10-run rule in five innings in a District 9-2A game.

Vicknair earned the win on the mound, tossing a one-hitter and striking out five. But she had as big a day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with five RBIs. Teammate Kelsi Roussel was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Taylor Terrio went 3-for-3. Milioto and Erica Delaneuville each collected two hits.

Riverside scored four runs in the first, one in the second and five in the third.

“The most important thing was to come out, first inning in their place, and put up some runs,” said Hebert. “Take the pressure off of us, relax, and let them feel the pressure.”

Last Saturday, the Rebels bested host Berwick, 5-0.

Terrio was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a triple. LaFountain tripled and doubled as she went 2-for-4. Bailey was 2-for-4 with two doubles.

Vicknair pitched another 1-hitter, striking out 10.

RA will shift its attention to St. Charles this week.

The

Comets defeated the Rebels 3-0 in their last meeting. The teams currently rank first and second in District 9-2A.

Hebert said her team’s approach will not change.

“It’s a tough test. But we always take the stance that it’s not about who we play, but what we ourselves do,” said Hebert. “It’s about how we compete once we get out there. Obviously, this will be a challenge.”