By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

St. Charles’ girls soccer team entered a season of transition at last weekend’s season opening Central Lafourche tournament.

All-time goal scoring leader Reyna Lubin is gone to LSU, and only three starters from last season’s district champion SCC squad return – Cassie Drexel, Clarissa Guidry, and Shelby Schneider.

But after dropping its opening game 5-0 to St. Joseph’s, the Comets went on to tie St. Martin’s 1-1 and defeat South Lafourche 3-2 to leave the team with a record of 1-1-1 entering this weekend.

Things are different, yes, says SCC coach Don Peyton. But the cupboard isn’t bare.

“Last year, obviously we ran things through Reyna,” said Peyton. “Now, we’ve got four, five, six girls shooting on goal. We’re playing a whole different style of ball.”

Expectations are also different with this Comets team – last year’s veteran squad had the pressure of high standards thrust upon it from the previous season’s first ever playoff victory.

“The girls expected to go out and win every game last year. I think that pressure’s off,” said Peyton. “They’re playing relaxed, and things are coming easier.”

Against South Lafourche on Sunday, Guidry banked home two goals while Drexel added another to lift the Comets over the Tarpons.

Peyton said he could see things coming together for his team after its first two matches.

“I thought the rhythm was there,” said Peyton. “The passes were crisp, and they started to understand how to play with one another. In the second game, we started playing solid ball, and (against South Lafourche), you could see it coming together.”

Saturday saw SCC add a tie to its record. The Comets defense played a strong match, and Laura Hane scored for SCC to preserve the tie.

Peyton said the St. Martin’s game on Friday was a tough way to open the season.

“Against a good team, it’s a tough way to start off,” said Peyton. “But one thing I will say is my girls never gave up.

“Everyone understands the situation we’re in. We’re not starting from scratch, but we’re in the hole. And everyone’s been doing their part, be it in practice, the weight room, all season long.”