By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Riverside had one final regular season match before learning its playoff position and foe, and it came through to even its record with a win in five games at Class 5A Berwick, 25-14, 23-25, 25-21, 21-25 and 15-11 Thursday.

It was a non-district match for the Rebels, who finished the regular season 17-17. Riverside finished District 4-IV play as co-champion with John Curtis, each ending with a 7-1 record.

Danielle Sharp had 20 kills and eight blocks and Toni Hebert had 31 assists and six aces to help lead Riverside. Shelby Deslatte racked up 50 digs and Toni Hebert had 31 assists and six aces. Dani Hebert also had six aces.

“It was a good game for us to have right before the playoffs,” said Riverside coach Briget Melancon. “It got us back into the swing of things. We hadn’t played a five game match in awhile, so to have the pressure of a close game like that right before the postseason is very valuable.”

As of Thursday morning, Riverside was unofficially ranked 14th according to power rankings. Melancon said that she wouldn’t know of the team’s official standing until Monday. A top 8 ranking, and the bye that comes with it, seems remote. The 14 or above rank would net RA at least one home playoff game.

Melancon said that the Rebels’ serve receive and defense was on point Thursday.

“And although she didn’t show up as big statistically, Taylor Terrio played a tremendous game. She and Shelby did a lot to get us set up,” said Melancon. “If we’re serving and passing well, everything else tends to fall into place for us.”

For improvements as the playoffs get underway, Melancon wants to see a bit more consistency.

“We tend to score, then let them score, and so on … versus scoring a few, then letting one in,” said Melancon. “That’s something we need to improve upon.”