By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Shelby Deslatte notched a hat trick, scoring three goals as the Riverside girls soccer team achieved a milestone, winning a district game for the first time in the program’s history, 3-1 over St. Charles Catholic.

It was also the first Rebel victory over the Comets in girls soccer.

“They’re big steps for the program,” said Riverside coach Stephen Millet. “It’s a big win and a good confidence booster.”

St. Charles led 1-0 midway through the first half on a Jalynn Johnson goal.

But Deslatte would tie the game before half and add two more scores in the second half – her third score coming with about 15 minutes left and essentially clinching the victory.

“She’s been great all season long,” said Millet.

“Obviously, she stepped up big time in this one.”

Millet said his team played at a great tempo.

“I thought we brought more energy and were able to keep most of the action in our half of the field. They scored first and I think after the first 15 minutes or so, our girls realized we need to be playing better.

“We weren’t playing our best. And in the second half we really were able to control things.”

The Lady Rebels traveled to E.D. White Thursday night, falling to 1-1 in district play after a 3-0 loss to the Cardinal.

“We had opportunities, a lot of them really, but we couldn’t seem to finish,” said Millet. “Mostly in the second half.”

Boys Soccer

ST. CHARLES 4, RIVERSIDE 1

Four different Comets scored as St. Charles moved to 2-0 in district play, defeating Riverside 4-1 Tuesday in Reserve.

Ben Brady, Jimmy Antin, Bradley Odom and Jonathan Perret each scored for St. Charles.

For Riverside, C.J. Edler scored the lone goal.

“We stressed that in a rivalry, neighborhood game like this, you throw the records out the window,” said St. Charles coach Bill Ballard. “Last year this game ended with us on top 1-0, so we expected the same kind of tough game.”

St. Charles led 2-0 at halftime and got a bit of breathing room nine minutes into the second half on its third score.

From there, the Comets’ defense clamped down.

“We were able to limit their opportunities. We played really well defensively,” said Ballard. “It was a very well-played game by both teams.”

Said Millet: We had a couple of breakdowns in the back and those last two goals in the put it away quickly. They dominated us in the second half.”

Ballard said the balanced effort from his scorers was a sign of the work done at practice in recent weeks. Its defense stout all season, the Comets have been trying to increase their offensive output.

“We’ve concentrated on finishing. All season we’ve had chances, shots that should have gone in but didn’t. So we’ve had extra shooting practice, and I think it’s building some confidence.”

The Rebels fell 8-0 to E.D. White on Thursday, falling to 0-2 in district play.