By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — After losing a strong group of seniors from a roster that won back-to-back district championships, Riverside knew there would be some rebuilding this season. But the Lady Rebels were determined to return to the postseason.

The Rebels are set to do just that, clinching district runner-up honors with an 8-0 victory at rival St. Charles Catholic Monday night. 

“Our goal was to get back to the playoffs. We knew what we had to do tonight,” said Riverside’s Jordan Duhon, who scored three goals to lead her team. “We couldn’t take St. Charles lightly even if we’d beat them before. We played our game and got everybody involved.”

Said Riverside coach Mert Deger, “We’re such a young team this year. Our goal was to make it in. Now we’ve got to get ready for our next match and see who we’re up against.”

The Rebels finished second in district play behind University. 

Brandi Perrin scored two goals for Riverside. Maddie Duhon, Taylor Aubert and Paige Bivonia each scored for RA. 

Riverside (7-5-4) led 1-0 on a Jordan Duhon kick before the Rebels broke loose in the final 16 minutes of the first half. Perrin scored with exactly 16 minutes left to put RA ahead 2-0. 

With 10:22 left in the first half, Duhon got loose again and booted her second score to make it 3-0. Three minutes later, she added her third goal of the half, and a minute beyond that, Maddie Duhon put one in to give Riverside a 5-0 halftime advantage. 

“I feel like we’re playing well,” said Maddie Duhon. “We’re coming together with the playoffs coming up. As long as we play together we feel like we’re pretty tough.”

Perrin, Aubert and Bivonia scored with 27, 15 and 12 minutes left respectively. 

The Duhon sisters, both seniors, are first and second respectively on the Rebel roster in goals scored.

Playing together in featured roles, each said, has made their final year with the Rebels a treat.

“I love it,” said Maddie Duhon. “I’m so thankful for it. Not a lot of people get a chance to do something like this.”

Said Jordan Duhon, “It’s definitely nice to have Maddie out here with me. We definitely get on one another when we’re out here, but it’s been a really great experience for my last year.”

 

RIVERSIDE 1, PARKVIEW BAPTIST 0 (PKs) –  District foes Riverside and Parkview went to PKs after a 0-0 tie in regulation, the Rebels besting the Eagles 5-4 in the deciding shootout. 

Taylor Aubert scored the deciding fifth goal. Rebels goalkeeper MacKenzie Saucier-Meyer made two saves on Parkview PK kicks to set up the winner.