By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Last weekend was one that the Riverside Rebels would like to forget, after dropping three straight matches at the Lutcher tournament.

If this past week is any indication, they’ve put it far behind them.

Riverside notched home wins in three matches this week, toppling Reserve Christian on Thursday (25-12, 25-7, 25-4), Thibodaux on Tuesday (20-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-21, 15-12) and Berwick on Monday (25-17, 25-17, 25-18).

“It gave us our confidence back,” said Riverside Coach Mandy Luminais. “We lost a lot of it Saturday. We just really had to focus, and block out everything else but the game we were in.”

Especially noteworthy was the Rebels emerging with a win after a tough test from Thibodaux (7-6), a Division I playoff team a year ago.

Riverside (18-7) fell behind two games to one, at which time Luminais said something clicked with her players.

“At the end of the third game, we really weren’t where we needed to be yet. Then they just said that we aren’t going to lose this. We stepped it up, starting in the fourth game.”

Thibodaux began the deciding fifth game up 3-0. But Ashley Forstall served four of her five aces, and Heidi Garcich and Shaney Borne made key kills to help Riverside take the lead for good.

Luminais said Thibodaux provided a stiff test – one that had her sitting on pins and needles the entire way as a coach.

“Thibodaux’s defense is awesome. They let nothing hit the floor,” she said. “They were diving on the floor, jumping over one another. Our girls really had to work to find open spots.”

Garcich had a huge day, notching 21 kills and 41 digs. Kaitlyn Millet had 19 assists and seven blocks.

The Rebels win over Reserve Christian (3-8, 3-3) Thursday continued the momentum.

Garcich had nine kills and 14 digs. Kristi Milioto had five aces and a block. Millet posted 18 assists.

Reserve Coach Michelle McGee couldn’t help but be impressed by the Rebels attack.

“Their offense is really top of the line,” said McGee. “The things I see them doing, those are the type of goals I’ve set for our team to achieve in the future. They do such a great job.”

Reserve’s Laci Felder had three kills in the match to lead RCS.

Against Berwick, Garcich led the way again with 11 kills, 23 digs, and five aces. Millet had 12 assists. Shea LaFountain added two blocks.