By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — East St. John fell in a pair of district matches this week, at Dutchtown Monday and at Destrehan Wednesday.

Destrehan’s victory came in three games, 25-21, 25-6 and 25-17.

Diranique Daniels had 19 digs for East St. John. Elizabeth Scioneaux had four kills, while Dawn Rush, Allante Snyder and Melinda Perrilloux each had three. Jessica Sanford had 12 digs.

Dutchtown came out on top of its match in three games as well, 25-21, 25-11 and 25-14.

Daniels had 12 digs for ESJ (9-14, 0-8) . Sanford had 11 assists. Scioneaux and Tyrionne Deary each had four kills.

ESJ began the season with wins in five of its first six matches. But the Ladycats have gone winless in District 3-I play, a slide that the Wildcats haven’t been able to stem in large part because the team went a long stretch of being unable to practice since the early season.

ESJ has played all of its matches on the road this season after Hurricane Issac flooded East St. John’s campus, including its gym. The Ladycats practiced at other gyms early in the season, but once school resumed, it became too difficult to coordinate practices at off-campus sites.

“We haven’t been able to practice at all,” said East St. John coach Avingnon Williams. “(The players) come out and give a good effort, but the tough thing about it is we’re not able to fix the little things and details. Those swings of 3-5 points one way or another are a big deal in each game.

“We need to work on being more consistent through games. It’s been tough for them, I know they’re not seeing the results they feel they should be.”

East St. John has been able to resume practice this week after receiving their new volleyball nets; the Wildcats now practice at Leon Godcheaux’s campus, where they will also host games for the first time next week.

“It makes a big difference,” said Williams.

The Ladycats will host Hahnville Monday and East Ascension Wednesday, both district contests that will see the varsity begin play at 5 p.m. Those are the final matches of the regular season for ESJ.

“We’re definitely excited to finally be able to host a home game,” said Williams. “That’s a boost that I think is helping the girls a lot. Hopefully we can come out and get a win and finish on a good note.”