By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — Riverside ran into a stiff test on Wednesday, but it’s safe to say that the Lady Rebels passed with flying colors.

The hosting Rebels defeated O. Perry Walker in three games, 25-13, 25-22 and 25-21, earning their 13th victory in their last 15 games.

Walker is ranked No. 9 in Division II power points. The Rebels are ranked No. 7 in Division IV.

Kendra Turner had 16 kills to lead Riverside.

“I’d been talking about this game for awhile,” said Riverside coach Chelsey Lucas-Nicholas. “That’s a team that you know will challenge you all the way around … It was an all-around good performance for us. We had tremendous teamwork out there … everyone is trusting one another right now.”

Lucas-Nicholas said that she felt the Rebels (16-8) were able to sustain a high energy level throughout the match, something that’s been a focus from the outset of the season.

“We struggled with that early,” she said. “We might have won two games, then not know how to finish it. This time I felt like we came out and had a lot of energy at the beginning, and also at the end.

“We needed to play like that. Walker is a very, very competitive team and they’re gonna fight you till the end.”

*****

RIVERSIDE DEF. DONALDSONVILLE — The Rebels moved to 4-0 in District 4-IV play, besting Donaldsonville in three games Tuesday, 25-15, 25-7 and 25-10.

Karoline St. Pierre served nine aces for the Rebels. Kendra Turner had 10 kills and an ace. Danielle Sharp had five kills.