By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

THIBODAUX — When it comes to reaching the state softball tournament in Sulphur, St. Charles softball coach Ty Monica is now a perfect six-for-six in his years leading the Comets.

It doesn’t make it any less special for he or his players.

That sixth trip was made official Thursday on the road at E.D. White, as St. Charles emerged with a 2-0 win over their regular season district rival.

The Comets will face Brusly in the state quarterfinals, another SCC district foe. The teams split during the regular season.

“I told them after the game, with tears in my eyes, that I’ve been to Sulphur every year, and that each time is just as sweet as the first,” said Monica. “We’re one of eight teams that have the privilege to play in Sulphur, the Mecca of high school softball.

“Every team from the preseason on sets that goal, to get to Sulphur. And I don’t care what classification you’re in, it’s a big thing.”

It was the third win of the season for the Comets (23-5) over the Cardinals (12-18), who reached the second round as a No. 23 seed after toppling Jewel Sumner. Each win was close, as SCC won a pair of one run games during the regular season.

“It’s hard to beat any team three times,” said Monica. “But we didn’t think about that. For us, it was the biggest game of the season simply because it was the next one.”

Chelsea Loupe pitched a complete game shutout, allowing four hits and striking out six.

“Chelsea threw real well again,” Monica said. “We made some plays behind her as well.”

Emily Triche went 2-for-3 and Kati Duhe went 2-for-4 for St. Charles. Heather Orillion socked a solo-home run.

The Comets went ahead 1-0 in the first inning after a Loupe single. Cori Millet entered as courtesy runner and stole second; the throw, however, struck her helmet and ended up deep into the outfield. She’d score to make it 1-0.

In the fourth, Orillion launched a deep solo homer to push the lead to two.

“It had to be a 300-footer,” said Monica.

St. Charles began the season as an offensive juggernaut, scoring 10 runs or more in 10 of its first 13 games.

But recently the Comets have been winning behind Loupe and some airtight defensive play. SCC has shut out three consecutive teams and five of their last six opponents.

“We always preach how defense and pitching wins championships, and we’re about to see if we can do just that,” said Monica.