By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BOUTTE — Riverside and East St. John each played a trio of games at the Hahnville soccer tournament over the weekend, the Lady Rebels and Wildcats each gaining a solid gauge of where they are in the current season against solid competition.

The Lady Rebels defeated East St. John, fell to University and tied Barbe, sending Riverside’s record to an impressive 8-3-1 mark in coach Brittany St. Pierre’s first season with the team.

The Rebels’ 3-0 win over East St. John saw a pair of goals scored by Jordan Duhon and another by Mary Gurley.

 “Honestly, I feel like (Riverside’s success) comes down to the chemistry these kids have with one another. They have fun playing with one another and they’ve been playing together for awhile.”

Riverside led 1-0 at halftime before putting things away with a pair of second half goals.

“We made some mental mistakes that caught up with us in the second half,” said East St. John coach Joseph Perrilloux. “We were in the game, but we start making errors and they took advantage.”

St. Pierre said that she felt the Rebels played well in the tournament overall, with the team’s defense shining especially in allowing three goals total through the three games.

“Our defense is extremely strong,” said St. Pierre.

“Our seniors have been huge in anchoring it … our defenders and our goalkeeper have really come to play every time out.

“Our offense is a work in progress, but every game we’re progressing. We’re passing better. But our defense has definitely made an impact for us to begin the season.”

East St. John went winless at the tournament, falling to Barbe, 1-0, and to University, 4-0.

Those losses dropped the Wildcats to 0-7, though there is reason for optimism for a team that broke through last season to earn a playoff berth in Perrilloux’s first year at the head of the program.

First, the team has it’s practice schedule and equipment situation cemented last week, after the ongoing aftermath of Hurricane Issac at East St. John threw a wrench into things.

Secondly, Nyanza Bell returned to the team over the weekend after missing the first four games of the season. Bell, a senior, is the team’s most dangerous goal scorer.

“I think the University game taught us some things,” said Perrilloux. “I think with Nyanza back, it definitely makes a difference. She’s a big-time leader on the field.

“These games have been losses, but we’re playing good teams and it’s making us better for district.

“I definitely believe this team is good enough to make a run for one of the top two spots.”

One reason Perrilloux believes that is defense.

The Wildcat defense has been anchored by its senior leaders in Diamond Edwards, Toni Monroe and Paris Bridges.

“Those are our three captains, and they’re showing it. They’ve been really playing well ,” said Perrilloux.