By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS — St. Charles enters today’s Lutcher tournament looking to make some final adjustments before district play opens Thursday.

The Comets won the first game but fell in the next three at Lusher on Thursday, losing 15-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21.

Heather Orillion had seven kills while Cori Millet had seven aces. Chelsea Loupe notched two blocks, Emily Picciola had 14 assists, and Peyton Millet had 16 digs for the Comets (4-11).

St. Charles coach Kelly Cupit said she expected a fight from the host Lions (11-9) and that they didn’t disappoint.

“They’re a fellow 2A school with a good record, so we expected them to be tough,” said Cupit. “We felt like we needed to start strong and we did that, but then we relaxed. In the second and third set I saw us battle back and get it within reach, but some mental errors stopped us from finishing the job.”

The good news for SCC is that a rematch comes on Tuesday, this time in LaPlace.

“We’re looking forward to having home court advantage this time,” said Cupit. “The girls are hungry and excited for the rematch. It’s like district in that way with games so close together against a common opponent.”

On Tuesday, SCC hosted Lutcher on Tuesday but could not fell the rival Bulldogs, falling in three games, 25-16, 25-14, 25-14.

Millet led the Comets offensively with 14 kills. Picciola had three aces and nine assists. Loupe and Nicole Doming each added a pair of blocks and Orillion added 10 digs.

“We were just flat,” said Cupit. “We didn’t do the little things we need to do to win. I wish we had a better showing, Lutcher’s a rival. Hopefully we have another chance to play them in the tournament.”

The Comets are in a separate pool from the Bulldogs at today’s LHS tourney. SCC is grouped with Dutchtown, Ascension Catholic and Ascension Christian.

“We’re going to try out some different things lineup wise,” said Cupit. “This is really it, everyone’s last chance to decide what our lineup going into district will be.

SCC opens district play on the road at St. James on Thursday.

“We need to play to our strengths,” said Cupit.

“Starting on the road is tough, but then we have three home games. I do know that the girls are ready to get district started.”