By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateu

NEW ORLEANS — The first week of the Frank Cazeaux era at Riverside was a resounding success, the Rebels facing higher-classification competition at the WGNO Classic tournament and coming away with three wins in four games.

At the tourney, RA defeated Fontainebleau, Belle Chasse and St. Paul’s while falling once, to Shaw.

Cazeaux, a veteran coach who made his debut as Riverside head coach at the tournament, said he was extremely pleased with how his team responded.

“Whenever you’re in a new place, you’re anxious to see how things unfold and how your kids respond,” Cazeaux said. “I’ve been doing this for 31 years, and I was a nervous wreck before that first game. We had a good showing, though.”

The Rebels kicked off their season Thursday with a 7-0 victory over Fontainebleau (0-3), thanks in part to six shutout innings on the mound by Jordan Loving. Offensively, Brandon Hymel led the way by going 2 for 3 with a pair of RBIs.

RA (3-1) followed that win up Friday with a slugfest victory over Belle Chasse (1-3), Riverside holding off a late charge from the Cardinals.

Sean Mohon started the game and went five innings, with Bailey Vicknair and Evan Veron coming on in relief — the first earned the win and the latter a save.

Again, Hymel was the top offensive driving force, going 3 for 4 and plating three runs.

On Saturday, A hungry Shaw team entered the third game with a 0-2 record, and the Eagles pushed ahead early in a eventual 14-3 win over RA.

Shaw (2-1) broke what was a 1-1 tie wide open in the third inning.

Riverside bounced back in its final tournament game later on Saturday, again bringing the bats in a 13-8 victory over St. Paul’s (2-1).

Veron went 3 for 4 and drove in four runs to lead Riverside. Mason Vicknair was 2 for 3 with a home run.

Conner Poche earned the win for Riverside, going four innings.