RESERVE — As regular season play comes to a close, the Lady Rebels have solidified their position as 8-0 district champs and are looking forward to competing in playoffs.

Coming into the week with an overall record of 26-7, the team has had a strong season, and head coach Brandi Melancon is optimistic about postseason play.

“We feel really good,” Melancon said. “Throughout the course of the season, we’ve been playing consistently, and now we’re just working on fine tuning those skills.”

The Lady Rebels are anticipating a heightened level of competition with the playoffs on the horizon, and they have been preparing accordingly. Melancon said ball control has been a main focus during practice so the team can effectively execute offensive plays.

The team celebrated senior night during a recent game against Thomas Jefferson, recognizing the leadership qualities and contributions of Briley Becker, Sydney Joseph, Jennifer Legeaux, Haley Madere, Danecia Nora and Abby Bourgeois.

Bourgeois, Becker, Joseph and junior Kate St. Pierre have provided consistent leadership for the team, Melancon said.

She recognized Becker for her strong defensive play.

“Every game, Briley steps up, and we depend on her in the back row,” Melancon said.

Riverside matches against Dominican at 5:30 p.m. and will face-off against Dunham School in a tournament this weekend to close regular season play.

Playoff schedules should be released by Sunday night, Melancon said.

St. Charles Catholic

The Lady Comets have had a challenging season with their home gym unavailable due to renovations at St. Charles Catholic, coming into the week with a 14-16 overall record and two remaining regular season games.

Head coach Meghan Ericksen said not having a home gym has been the most challenging aspect of the season, but the girls have adapted to the best of their ability, making the most of limited practice times at Regala Gym in Reserve.

“Regala has offered us the best choice possible this season,” Ericksen said, noting the facility is very nice.

“I would’ve loved for the seniors to play their last season in a brand new gym, but unfortunately the circumstances did not work out quite right.”

She said there are nine seniors on the team this year, and the girls will be recognized this evening during the final regular season match against Destrehan at Regala Gym.

The volleyball team is coming off a weekend of hard-fought games in a tournament at Academy of Our Lady, culminating in a win against Natchitoches Central and losses against Louise McGehee and Belle Chasse.

Ericksen said she hopes the Comets close the week at .500 before advancing to playoff competition.