LAPLACE — It was difficult to separate the Riverside Academy and St. Charles Catholic softball teams this season.

Both were the dominant teams in St. John the Baptist Parish and in their district — so much so that they ended up sharing the District 12-2A title.

The Lady Rebels finished with an overall record of 24-8 and with one district loss to St. Charles. They also led the nation in home runs, finishing with 44.

The Lady Comets finished with an overall record of 24-4 and one district loss to Riverside.

Both advanced to the second round of the Class 2A playoffs.

So it’s fitting that Riverside Academy coach Tamra Regalo and St. Charles Catholic coach Ty Monica share L’OBSERVATEUR’s Coach of the Year title.

Both schools also dominate the 2016 All-St. John Parish Softball team.

Riverside Academy placed five players on this year’s team, including Player of the Year Lexi Johnson.

An outfielder and just an eighth grader, Johnson put up some incredible numbers in her second season as a starter. She hit .475 with nine home runs, 52 RBIs and 37 runs scored — down just a bit from her .500 average in 2015.

“She’s just one of those athletes,” Regalo said.

“She’s one of those kids that is really just naturally athletic. She has a real eye for the ball.

Plus, her family is always out there hitting with her, pitching with her, making her get her work in. She has a real good support system.”

Joining Johnson on the squad are pitcher Cheyenne Triche, infielder Janie Milioto, outfielder Toni Perrin and catcher Rayne Weber.

St. Charles Catholic also has six players on the team. They are pitcher Jade Brady, catcher Morgan Nobile, infielders Destiny Wesley, Lela Hill and Caroline Julian and outfielder Pylar Zeringue.

The East St. John  Lady Wildcats found some improvement under new head coach Lester Jenkins  this season.

Freshman Erriyel Cemelien, sophomore Taylor Lipps and junior Tash’ianna Robinson earned spots on the team.

West St. John senior Christina Holmes also made the team.

All-St. John Parish Softball Team

P Cheyenne Triche, Riverside, Sr. — Was 15-6 with one save, finishing with an ERA of 2.593 and 45 strikeouts.

P Jade Brady, St. Charles Catholic, So. — Finished 4-2 with a 2.24 ERA, 35 strikeouts

C Morgan Nobile, St. Charles, Sr. — Hit .519 with 39 hits, 23 RBIs and 33 runs scored.

IF Destiny Wesley, St. Charles Catholic, Sr.  — Hit .514 with 17 doubles, 31 RBIs and 37 runs scored. Her slugging percentage was .784. Wesley has signed to play for Pearl River Community College.

IF Lela Hill, St. Charles Catholic, Sr. — A four-sport athlete, Hill hit .435 with 43 runs.

IF Janie Milioto, Riverside, Sr. — She hit .376, with seven home runs, 11 doubles, three triples, 26 RBIs and 41 runs scored.

IF Caroline Julian, St. Charles Catholic, So. — She hit .478 with 32 RBIs, 33 hits and 36 runs scored.

OF Toni Perrin, Riverside, Jr.  — A stellar outfielder, she hit .528 with 56 hits, 14 doubles, two triples and led the team with 11 home runs. She also had 42 RBIs and scored 53 runs.

OF Lexi Johnson, Riverside, 8th — The youngster hit .475 with 52 RBIs, nine home runs, 14 doubles and three triples. She also scored 37 runs.

OF Pylar Zeringue, St. Charles Catholic, So. — She hit .493 with 46 RBIs, five home runs and 36 runs scored.

UT Taylor Lipps, East St. John, So. — The Wildcats’ shortstop this season, she hit .453.

UT Erriyel Cemelien, East St. John, Fr. — A freshman who played every position on the field and batted in the top three of the order all season, she hit .304.

UT Christina Holmes, West St. John, Sr. — A multi-sport athlete at West St. John, Holmes closed her senior year as an All-District selection.

UT Tash’ianna Robinson, East St. John, Jr. — This junior finished with a .431 batting average. She was walked 18 times this season.

UT Rayne Weber, Riverside, Sr. — The Lady Rebels’ catcher, she hit .425 with 37 hits, 10 doubles, one triple and two home runs.

Coaches of the Year: Tamra Regalo, Riverside Academy and Ty Monica, St. Charles Catholic

Player of the Year: Lexi Johnson, Riverside