By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — Destrehan extended its undefeated run within District 3-I Thursday with a victory over East St. John in three games, 25-14, 25-7 and 25-21 at Destrehan.

Britney Matthews had five aces for Destrehan. Jennifer McClendon had nine kills. Michelle Haydel had 16 digs, Kayla Smothers had two blocks and Catherine Beck had 22 assists to help lead DHS to victory.

Joi Scioneaux had four kills for East St. John. Jessica Sanford added 12 assists. Diranique Daniels had 11 digs.

East St. John coach Avignon Williams said that she had no illusions about anything coming easily against the district’s other Wildcat team. But she said that she felt her team didn’t respond to the challenge as she’d hoped.

“They’re a really good team. We knew Destrehan would be as good as we saw,” said Williams. “But you always look for effort, regardless of the level of competition. Maybe we aren’t on the same skill level that they are right now. But we came out with a defeated attitude. Once they jumped out ahead … you just can’t be throwing your hands up. It makes it hard to succeed.”

Earlier this week, ESJ visited Dutchtown. The Griffins came away with a 25-10, 25-12, 25-9 victory over the Wildcats.

Scioneaux had three kills, while Tyrionne Dreary and Daniels combined for 14 digs for ESJ.

Taylor Nevils led Dutchtown (22-15, 3-4) with 12 kills. Kirstin Collins had seven digs.

“I thought we played a better match Tuesday than we did (Thursday),” said Williams. “We didn’t play as well as we did in our first game with Dutchtown. Really, it’s like I told them today … if we’re down 23-5, it doesn’t matter. Play with pride, play with heart, until the game is finished. That’s how you start to build something.”