By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — East St. John fought back to tie its match with Thibodaux at a game apiece Tuesday but couldn’t sustain that momentum, ultimately losing in four games to the Tigers, 25-18, 14-25, 25-13 and 25-15 in district action.
Al’lante Snyder had 14 kills and served two aces. Elizabeth Scioneaux made seven kills. Eden Keller had 12 assists.
“It was a tight game for the most part,” said East St. John coach Ronnie Smith. “We went back and forth with them, but they were able to generate a run at the end of those last two games that put things away. We just didn’t do the things we needed to do … controlling our passes, getting it to our setter in good position … things we need to improve upon heading into next season.”
The Wildcats (10-22) won’t reach the postseason in 2013. Smith said that some of the final games provided an opportunity to get some of the team’s younger players some experience before next season.
Two that he noted were sophomores Jessica Scioneaux and Melinda Perrilloux. Scioneaux will likely start as the team’s setter next season, with Perrilloux taking over a key role as outside hitter.
“We’ll be really young next season,” said Smith. “Those two have done some nice things already.”
The Wildcats will lose five seniors, including three hitters in Snyder, Scioneaux and Taylor Duhe; its setter in Keller; and a middle blocker in Osbiana Johnson.
Replacing Snyder, especially, will prove difficult, as the senior was the team’s most dominant hitter.
“We’re going to miss those seniors, no doubt,” said Smith. “They brought a lot of leadership and helped the younger girls to come along.’
“This offseason, I want them all to concentrate on mastering what they do best. I’m trying to convince them to play club ball … we’re also participating in some specialized camps, including for our incoming freshman. I think we’ll make strides.”