By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — After a loss in five games Tuesday to Lutcher, the Riverside volleyball team turned its focus to strengthening its ability to finish matches, particularly ones that go the distance.

The Rebels were able to put that focus to the test Thursday.

Riverside toppled Ponchatoula (2-2) in five games, 25-9, 23-25, 21-25, 25-21 and 15-13.

Shelby Deslatte had 43 digs and five aces to lead Riverside. Toni Hebert notched 24 assists. Danielle Sharp had 14 kills and seven blocks while Taylor Terrio added seven kills.

“We’ve played some close games lately,” said Riverside coach Briget Melancon. “I was really pleased with our team effort tonight. We really needed a five-game win after Tuesday. It’s important for us to be able to execute in those situations, where everyone i s tired but keeps pushing.”

It was Lutcher that showed an ability to pull out the late victory on Tuesday, winning 13-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-27 and 15-10.

Sharp had four blocks and 22 kills for the Rebels. Deslatte had 52 digs. Kelsi Roussel had three aces. Terrio and Hebert each racked up 20 assists.

Melancon felt the result of both games, going down to the wire, gave an accurate read of how close the teams were in each contest.

“All three teams played all out until the end,” said Melancon.

After a 0-2 start, Riverside (2-3) has gone 2-1 and enters this weekend’s Loyola tournament with a chance to even out its record, or climb to a winning mark.

Then next week, the Rebels will play three games against tough competition: on the road at Assumption and Ben Franklin on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, then at home against Ascension Catholic.

“The competition doesn’t slack off,” said Melancon. “But we’ll be better prepared when the playoffs come around.”