Riverside, SCC off to strong volleyball start

Published 11:13 pm Friday, September 2, 2016

RESERVE — Two of St. John the Baptist Parish’s volleyball teams have gotten the 2016 season off to a strong start, while the others are still seeking their first victories.

Riverside Academy’s Lady Rebels started with back-to-back-to-back victories. The team opened the season Monday with a 25-8, 25-17, 25-21 sweep of Thibodaux in the Rebels’ gym.

Sydney Joseph, L’OBSERVATEUR’S 2015 Volleyball Player of the Year, and Briley Becker led the attack with 11 kills each. Joseph also had two blocks. Becker added nine digs. Setter Abby Bourgeois had 25 assists and four aces. Kate St. Pierre had five aces.

The Rebels came back Tuesday to take a 25-12, 25-12, 25-15 win over Episcopal school of Baton Rouge. Joseph and Becker again led the team with 12 kills each. Joseph added two blocks. Bourgeois had 30 assists and six aces. Toni Perrin had two blocks and three kills.

Thursday Riverside defeated Ponchatoula, 25-23, 25-15, 25-17 with Joseph scoring 14 kills and four aces. Becker had 12 kills and 13 digs. Bourgeois had 29 assists. Rebels coach Margot Frederick said she is thrilled with her team’s hot start.

“Starting 3-0 is a credit to our players’ focus and competitive drive,” she said. “We are staying composed and are really enjoying competing together. The challenge is continuing to improve.”

Riverside will travel to East Ascension Tuesday.

St. Charles Catholic also got off to a strong start with a three-team sweep  — freshmen, junior varsity and varsity — of Walker on Wednesday. The varsity took a 25-7, 25-14, 25-13 win. The Lady Comets were led by Grace Mohon with five kills and four aces. Brooke St. Pierre had 11 aces.

“It was great finally getting to see all their hard work being put to use,” Comets coach Meg Ericksen said. “We were able to switch some girls around in positions, and the way they were able to adjust was incredible. I believe this will be an exciting year. The girls really get along great together and that shows on and off the court.”

St. Charles will play in the South Louisiana Volleyball Tournament at Broadmoor today.

East St. John High coach Jarranisha Allen is still seeking her first win as a head coach. The Lady Wildcats lost to Northlake Christian Tuesday, 11-25, 20-25, 22-25. They lost to Brusly Thursday, 17-25, 18-25, 18-25.

Against Northlake Christian, Chardae Berthelot led the team with five kills, four aces and one block. Brooke Arceneaux had four kills, two assists and an ace. Troynisha Gerard had eight digs, four aces and two assists.

East St. John hosts Catholic High of Pointe Coupee Tuesday.

West St. John High will open its season Tuesday at St. James High.