By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS — It was a low-scoring, defensive affair – especially in the first half – as St. Charles faced McGehee Monday night.

But despite trailing at halftime, the Comets pushed through in the second half for a 29-26 District 9-2A victory on the road.

St. Charles (4-15, 2-3) has now swept McGehee this season. The Comets defeated the Hawks in LaPlace on Jan. 6, 33-20.

“McGehee improved from the game we played earlier this year, so you have to give them credit,” said St. Charles coach Kelly Cupit. “We had to come back and hustle at the end to get it done. It took us awhile to get warmed up.”

Kacie Braud led the Comets with 15 points. Jaelyn Bryant scored six points.

The teams struggled to score throughout much of the first half. The game was tied at 4 at the end of a quarter and McGehee (2-15, 0-5) outscored SCC 9-6 in the second to take a 13-10 halftime lead.

The Comets improved their offensive output in the second half, particularly in a third quarter in which they took a 21-18 lead on an 11-5 scoring differential.

In the fourth, Cupit said it came down to her team making their shots from the line.

“We converted a few at the line and sealed it. Our girls came up big at the end,” she said.

St. Charles will face Riverside in Reserve Monday at 6 p.m. Each team entered Thursday night with a 2-3 mark in District 9-2A play.

Cupit said that she likes the way her team is hustling now, but converting its opportunities more efficiently is going to be key if the Comets are going to avenge a 48-28 loss to Riverside suffered Jan. 13.