By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BERWICK — Riverside played a single game this week and came away with a result that’s been familiar all season — a victory.

The Rebels made short work of the Panthers, winning in three games 25-16, 25-7, 25-14.

Shea LaFountain and Kristy Milioto each had 10 kills for Riverside (12-2). Taylor Terrio and Toni Hebert had 10 assists each, and Hebert added 10 aces. Shelby Deslatte — breaking the statistical run of 10’s — notched 21 digs.

Riverside coach Kristy Hebert said she saw an improved effort from her team this week after pointing out some inconsistencies in her teams play a week ago.

“I was a little more satisfied with what I saw,” said Hebert. “After the last week and a half, I think we pulled it together. Our serving and passing was much improved and it helped set the tempo for us.”

Another aspect the Rebels continued to excel in is hitting. At the net, LaFountain and Milioto had led the way as senior hitters, and they’ve received plenty of help at the net.

“Both are playing really well, and it’s pretty much what I expected from those two,” said Hebert. “Kelsi (Roussel) is another whose played really well at the net, after we moved her from setter. We needed a hitter and she stepped up. Taylor Terrio’s helped there too. We’ve been balanced, and that makes it easier for Shea and Kristy.”

Riverside will compete in today’s Lutcher tournament. The Rebels are in a pool with Destrehan, Newman and South Terrebonne.

“We’re excited about the tournament,” said Hebert. “We’ll have good competition in our pool. We’ll see how we respond to it. Hopefully this helps us get to where we need to be when we face Curtis.”

Riverside indeed opens district play with the defending district champion Patriots Thursday at Riverside.

While the Patriots have lost some weapons from a year ago, Hebert said she knows nothing will come easy.

“I’m expecting them to be strong again,” she said. “They lost a few key players, but they always have people to fall back on. They’re well-coached. It’s always going to be a game when you play them.”