By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

East St. John Coach Jason Beber has had to constantly shuffle his lineup this year, particularly on defense. Unfortunately, the District 6-I schedule isn’t one that allows a team to get its bearings.

The Lady Wildcats made a push for a half, but ultimately fell 5-0 on Tuesday at home to St. Amant.

The Lady Gators (4-12-3, 2-1) led 1-0 at halftime, but scored four times in the second half to hand East St. John (5-5, 0-5) its fifth district loss of the year.

The win keeps St. Amant in third place in District 6-I, behind Dutchtown (5-0 district record) and East Ascension (4-1).

“They’re a solid team, but we made a lot of mistakes,” Beber said. “We’ve shifted around our entire defense, and we’re still adjusting to it.”

Part of that is because starting goalkeeper Amber Remondet had to be moved to the field due to an injury suffered earlier this season. Sophomore Terri Franklin has filled in, and is improving every game, says Beber.

“She’s done a tremendous job,” said Beber. “We’re still working on some stuff. But we’re focusing now on getting her the experience she needs, as well as trying some new people in different positions.”

Another recent blow has been the recent loss of junior striker Tia Casadaban to injury, who has scored over 60 goals over her first two seasons at East St. John.

Partially because that the Wildcats’ best striker is out, and that Beber has moved many of the team’s faster players to the defensive back line, East St. John has been

severely hampered in its offensive game plan in district – it has only scored one goal through the first round of district play.

“Sometimes, I tell the girls that you have to lose now to win later,” Beber said. “In this district, it’s so competitive, but we’re not there yet. It doesn’t happen overnight.”

Entering the second round of district play, Beber acknowledges that the potential for a run at the district’s upper tier has likely been exhausted, but says that the team’s goal is to finish above .500 in its remaining games.

“We gotta be healthy,” said Beber. “But if our defense and goalkeeper keep getting better and better like they are, we can do it.”