By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Riverside may have suffered its first two losses of the season in the Chalmette tournament over the weekend, but the Lady Rebels wasted no time putting it in their rearview mirror.

Riverside hosted and defeated Dunham Tuesday, 25-11, 25-17, 20-25, 25-15, and Destrehan on Monday, 25-15, 25-15, 25-12 to beef up its record to 8-2 on the season.

Heidi Garcich had 15 kills and 40 digs to lead the way against Dunham, who a year ago was the seventh-rated team in Class 2A entering the postseason. Riverside was ranked third.

“Dunham’s got a really good team. They were coming off a win over Dutchtown, which is another strong one,” Luminais said. “It’s important to play these upper-2A teams that we may see later on in the playoffs.

“It’s always good to get a win over someone in your classification.”

Shaney Borne had four aces. Kaitlyn Millet added 14 assists, and Shea LaFountain had three blocks.

In addition, Jenna Roussel earned her first career start against Dunham and performed well, says Luminais.

“She really stepped up for us,” Luminais said. She fit right in with the varsity. You wouldn’t know that she’s a younger player, she’s aggressive and had a lot of natural talent. It’s good to get her some experience.”

Luminais said that the team’s defensive effort keyed the victory over Dunham. Meanwhile, it was the Rebels’ offensive execution that led to the win over visiting Destrehan on Monday.

“Our offense throughout the match was awesome,” she said. “We were moving it around so well. I can’t even name one person who as most outstanding. Everybody hits it so well.

“They had some big blockers in the middle. Our girls had to adjust to them, and they did a really good job.”

Garcich had 20 digs, 11 kills and three aces. Millet had 10 assists, and Borne added three blocks.

Riverside went 2-2 at the Chalmette tournament, winning over Northshore and St. Mary’s, but falling to E.D. White and Chalmette. All matches were best of three.

Chalmette tagged the Rebels with their first loss of the year, winning 25-15, 25-11.

Garcich had 14 digs, Borne three kills, and Millet four assists and two blocks.

Riverside got back on the right track against Northshore, taking a 25-17, 22-25, 19-17 win in a close match with the Panthers.

Garcich had 15 kills, 30 digs and two aces to lead RA in all three categories. Millet had 15 assists and two blocks.

E.D. White took the Rebels’ third match in two straight games, 25-20, 25-20.

Garcich had eight kills and 11 digs. Aimee Williamson added eight assists. Millet had two blocks.

Finally, the Rebels closed with a win, topping St. Mary’s 25-12, 25-16.

LaFountain had six aces to lead the team. Garcich had five kills and six digs. Millet had 10 assists, and Roussel had a block.

Luminais joked that she hardly wanted to write the Rebels’ first losses on the scoresheet, but says that the team will be better for facing some of the state’s top competition – E.D. White was a Division III state finalist a season ago, and Chalmette is coming off a trip to the Division I quarterfinals.

“This schedule is really our toughest ever,” Luminais said. We’ll take an extra loss here or there if it means we get to see these top hitters, and are more prepared for the state tournament.”