By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

HOUMA — A battle of two of the state’s top contenders went Vandebilt Catholic’s way Tuesday, as the host Terriers edged visiting Riverside, 1-0, in a non-district game.

The matchup pitted the top ranked team in Class 4A against the fourth ranked Rebels (21-8), as each sought a tune up for the postseason — and got the type of game they wanted, one competed with playoff-level intensity.

The game was the last of the season for the Rebels, who had a scheduled home game with Hahnville rained out on Wednesday.

Vandebilt Catholic (22-6) scratched a run across in the fifth inning after a Rebels error and an RBI single.

“We may play defense and pitch well, but you have to score runs. We’ve scored two in our last two games (the first against John Curtis) and when you play the caliber of team that Vandebilt is … and that’s what you’re going to see in the playoffs … it doesn’t cut it.”

Destin Vicknair pitched a 3-hitter, allowing no earned runs. She struck out five.

Riverside had four hits on the day, with singles collected by Kori Bourgeois, Taylor Terrio, Gabby Sharp and a double by Katie Bailey.

“It wasn’t that we weren’t putting it in play. They caught four balls at the wall,” said Hebert. “We’re hitting it right at people. Hopefully, we can start finding the gaps. We’ll need to.”

One positive Hebert said that came indirectly from the game was that it led to Thursday’s practice, one she felt was the team’s best of the season.

“I think I just had enough, and I challenged our players to step it up,” Hebert said. “I think it made a difference.”