By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

RESERVE — After reaching its second consecutive Division V state semifinal last season, Riverside enters this year’s campaign needing to reload.

The Rebels will look to replace the production of 2013-14 senior Kendra Turner, who signed with Tennessee after posting 745 kills and 115 blocks last season.

Turner, who was L’OBSERVATEUR’S St. John Parish volleyball MVP in each of the past two seasons, was not the only loss; Toni Hebert, Dani Hebert and Jordan Duhon, all All-Parish performers, won’t be back.

Still, as she enters her third season as head coach, Chelsey Lucas-Nicholas is optimistic the Rebels and their reshuffled deck can get the job done.

“All of the girls made a vow to one another to lead, to pick up one another and to do everything they can to make us a successful team,” Lucas-Nicholas said. “It won’t come down to any one person.”

Notable returning players include Tyjah Greenup, Briley Becker, Hailey Eldridge and Maddie Duhon, each of whom earned playing time last season.

“They’ve been out there and they already know what’s expected,” Lucas-Nicholas said.

Besides replacing Turner at the net — a job which figures to fall upon a committee of players, including hitters Greenup and Eldridge — the team must find a new setter with the departure of the Hebert sisters, who have transferred to John Curtis.

While Toni had already left the volleyball team to concentrate on softball, sister Dani’s loss came just before the season.

Lucas-Nicholas said Abby Bourgeois and Toni Perrin have each been working at setter.

“More than just the volleyball aspect, it was a loss because everyone loves Dani as a person,” Lucas-Nicholas said.

“She has a great passion for volleyball. The young girls, working with her for at least this past summer, helps things.”

Meanwhile, West St. John comes back from arguably the best volleyball season in program history, after the Rams posted a 14-9 overall record and won their first home playoff game in school history.

All but one starter from that team has returned, with Sydnei Young the lone departure.

“I see a lot of growth and strength amongst my girls,” said West St. John coach Glenda Mattos.

“I’m just hoping and praying that the things I’m seeing them do in practice and saw over the summer carry over.”

Kaionne Sorapuru is the Rams’ leading returning hitter, while setter Brittany August will look to get her the ball in strong position. Libero Tre’shaun Trench is another impact player for West St. John.

“I think the strength of our team is they’ve learned to read each other,” Mattos said.

“They know how to set one another up and cover for each other. I think we could have a very powerful group at the net this year, I really do.”

West St. John kicks off its season Sept. 2 at St. Charles Catholic. Riverside also opens Sept. 2, traveling to Ben Franklin.

Look for St. Charles and East St. John previews in Wednesday’s edition of L’OBSERVATEUR.