By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Riverside’s girls soccer team secured its signature victory of the season Saturday when it defeated Episcopal of Acadiana, 3-1, in a rematch of their 2009 first round playoff matchup.

Episcopal downed the Rebels 7-0 to end their season last February.

“Whenever a team beats you like they beat us in the playoffs, you’re going to come out and play with a chip on your shoulder,” said Millet. “They pulled together, communicated, and got it done. I’m proud of them. Like I always say to them, everyone was pulling on the same rope.”

Shelby Deslatte led the Rebels with a pair of goals. Chelsie Cupit scored the third.

Riverside led 2-0 at halftime. Cupit scored the game’s first goal on a cross from Deslatte and the Rebels wouldn’t trail.

“Then Shelby got loose and finished it,” said Millet.

Millet said the win was a major positive over a favored team, and something he feels his players can use to build toward a special season.

“I really thought we’d have to play extremely well to even stay in it,” said Millet. “But the girls went out and played a great, great game. They came out with energy and outplayed a team that’s going to be in the playoffs.”

Millet said that on the bus ride back to Reserve, he and his team discussed making a push to the next level this season.

“We have a great opportunity this year,” said Millet. “We’re starting to prove that we can beat people. I think the team we beat (Saturday) is at least as good as those we’ll see in district. So this year, we can see the possibilities. We can create some milestones for ourselves.”

The Rebels (5-6-1) moved within one game of .500 on Monday by defeating East St. John for the second time this season, 4-2.

Deslatte scored a pair of goals. Duhon and Mary Gurley each scored one.

The Wildcats trailed 3-0 when they responded with a pair of goals.

But Gurley put in a goal with eight minutes left to seal things.

“Credit to East St. John, they came out in the second half and played a scrappy, physical game,” said Millet. “But our girls did well to deal with the adversity.”