By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Caitlin Roussel scored four goals to lead Riverside as the Rebels girls soccer team put together a 6-1 win in a tune up game against the Lutcher JV.
Jordan Duhon and Maddie Duhon each scored goals as well for the Rebels, who  stand at 3-4-2 on the season (Thursday’s exhibition did not count for the official record).
It was a bounce back performance after a 7-0 loss to Pope John Paul II last week, a game that saw the Rebels taking on one of the state’s top contending programs.
“I think as we’re getting more playing time, things are coming together,” said Rebels’ coach Mert Deger. “We’ve felt that it’s a matter of time before we get it going. We’ve been fortunate so far that we’ve had no injuries, and that’s a big thing with district play starting up soon in January.”
Riverside is looking to catch fire soon, with tournament action and a pre-district game with Morgan City coming up before it opens district play January 3 against University, the district foe Deger estimates will be Riverside’s biggest hurdle in a brand new district.
The win Wednesday saw a breakout from Roussel, who Deger said had been close to such a game already.
“She was just a little off target before. She’s been waiting for this game,” said Deger. “She was always right there, but (Thursday) she finished.”
Defensively, the Rebels shined all of last season, and Riverside has been stout at that end of the field this season as well.
Lindsey Oubre and Paige Bivona have been the backbone of the defense, while goalkeeper MacKenzie Saucier-Meyer has been strong behind them.
“(Oubre and Bivona) are taking charge of the defense,” said Deger. “They’ve been key players all season for us back there. (Saucier-Meyer) plays club ball and is an experienced goalkeeper. She’s been our anchor.”