By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD — At the brink of defeat, West St. John pushed back to claim victory in a 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 16-14 victory over visiting South Plaquemine on Wednesday.

West St. John trailed 14-10 in the final game but went on to score the next six points to clinch the match.

Rams coach Brandon Dumas called a time out with the score 14-10 to rally his girls.

“’Make them earn that last point,’” I told them,” said Dumas. “Go on and handle this adversity. The girls put together a run and we pulled out a back and forth match there.”

Brittany Sorapuru talled five kills and five blocks to lead the Rams (1-1) in both categories. Deja Feist added four blocks.

Dumas praised the effort of his team, noting the fight they each showed in the final game.

“There was one play where we looked done, a ball sailing out of bounds that would have been the winner for (South Plaquemines),” said Dumas. “And Taj Howard made a great play to save it and keep us alive. The game would have been over. We’ve got a lot of young players, three freshman, eight graders on the team, but these girls will fight.”

Alongside those young players is a trio of seniors —

Brittany Tuco, Jasmine Young and Ormoni Favorite — whom Dumas says have helped the team to gel early on.

“We’ve got great team leadership. (The seniors) do a good job rallying the team together,” Dumas said.

West St. John and South Plaquemines will rematch Thursday at South Plaquemines.