As the season winds down, the East St. John Lady Wildcats hold an overall record of 12-12 and are still focused on learning to finish strong under the direction of head coach Halle Gayten.

The team is coming off of a week of hard-fought, close matches against Hahnville and Destrehan, ultimately ending in losses.

On a brighter note, the “pink game” against Hahnville, which closed with scores of 23-25, 23-25 and 24-26, was held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raised around $300 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Gayten said there are plans for another “pink game” next Tuesday on senior night, when the team faces off against Central Lafourche.

“We didn’t get to promote it like we wanted to, so we are going to try to do it again and raise more money,” Gayten said.

Meanwhile, she is working to improve the team’s District standing, which was 1-6 as of Monday evening. The Lady Wildcats will close out District with matches against H.L. Bourgeois Thursday and Central Lafourche Tuesday.

Gayten recognized senior Chardea Berthelot for her leadership abilities and consistent performance in games.

“Chardea is a clutch player,” Gayten said. “She’s one player you never have to worry about if they are able to perform under pressure.

“I always know I can count on her.”

Tanisha Spencer, also a senior, is another consistent team leader, according to Gayten.

— By Brooke Robichaux