By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – The opening game of Riverside’s annual softball tournament was a battle of true state heavyweights as the host Rebels battled Hahnville.

And just as they’ve regularly done in recent years when the spotlight shines brightest, the Tigers impressed. HHS pitcher Lauren Beadle scattered seven baserunners over a complete game effort and Lauren Simar slammed a solo home run as Hahnville captured a 4-1 victory at Riverside.

The game matched up two teams that rank in the top four of state power rankings regardless of classification. Hahnville is ranked second behind Rebels’ district rival John Curtis, while Riverside is ranked fourth, just behind 5A St. Amant.

It is the second victory at Riverside this season for Hahnville, which took a 6-3 victory over the Rebels on March 5.

“We treated this game like (a heavyweight fight),” said Hahnville coach Kenneth Vial. “Really we’re aiming to treat every game like a playoff game … We know it’s always gonna be a dogfight with them. I’s the type of team you want to play. We enjoy facing (Destin) Vicknair because she’s one of the state’s top-notch pitchers.”

Hahnville (25-1) scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie. That surge was fueled by a pair of bunts for base hits, with one run scoring on a failed pickoff attempt.

Riverside coach Kristy Hebert said the inning was reminiscent of the Rebels first loss to Hahnville, where the Tigers scored four seventh inning runs to overcome a 3-2 Rebels lead.

“You just flash back to that last game,” said Hebert. “One little mental lapse becomes another and it just trickles down. The same thing happened today.”

The bottom of the Tiger order jump started the team in the fifth. Eight-hole hitter Kelly Ortego drew a walk, then Caitlyn Robinson dropped a bunt that died right in front of home plate. After Taylor Hogan bunted to advance the runners, Kaylyn Morales bunted again for a hit, scoring Ortego from third.

“We know what (Vial) wants to do with a runner on third, but we didn’t execute,” said Hebert.

Hahnville took a 3-1 lead on an errant throw from catcher to third base on a pickoff attempt. With two outs, Maeson Martindale laced a hit to score HHS’ fourth run.

A big defensive play kept Riverside in striking distance in the sixth inning, when Ortego hit a low line drive to leftfielder Rayne Weber, who caught the ball before it hit the ground and fired a throw to second to double off Bryce Button, ending the threat.

But Hahnville returned the favor in the bottom half after Erica Delaneuville singled with one on and no outs in the sixth inning. HHS right fielder Caitlyn Robinson scooped the ball and fired a rope to second to put out courtesy runner Kori Bourgeois, stalling RA’s momentum.

“That was awesome,” Vial said.

From there, Beadle retired the final five Rebel batters in a row. She allowed five hits and walked two, striking out five.

It was a sharper game for the starter from the first matchup, where Beadle allowed 15 baserunners but limited the scoring damage.

“Seeing them again, you pick up things. You can play more to a team’s weak points a second time around,” said Beadle.

Riverside led 1-0 after the first inning, scoring on Delaneuville’s RBI ground out after Toni Hebert singled and Destin Vicknair doubled.

Simar led off the fourth with a solo home run that cleared the right field wall.

Vicknair took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits. She walked one and struck out three.

RIVERSIDE ROLLS OVER MOUNT CARMEL, VANDEBILT CATHOLIC – The Rebels (24-6) rebounded in a huge way Saturday, toppling Mount Carmel 16-0 and then Vandebilt Catholic 7-2.

Riverside scored seven second inning runs and never looked back against MCA (19-6). Katie Bailey went 3 for 4 with four RBIs for RA. Taylor Terrio went 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Erica Delaneuville went 2-3 with three RBIs. Rayne Weber went 3 for 3 with two RBIs.

Destin Vicknair pitched a no-hitter, shutting the Cubs out and just a walk away from a perfect game.

Against Vandebilt Catholic (20-6), Vicknair struck out nine and allowed two runs on four hits to earn the win.

Hailey Tassin went 3 for-4 with a home run. Toni Hebert went 2-for-4. Weber went 3 for 4.