By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Riverside got off to a strong start in district play on Saturday, downing Houma Christian 7-1 in Reserve.

The two teams split during the regular season last year, with the Rebels winning a district playoff matchup to determine who would move on to the postseason.

“It’s important that you get started off correctly (in district play),” said Riverside coach Stephen Millet. “It sets the precedent, and that’s regardless of who you play.

“Still, even after a 7-1 win, there’s plenty for us to get better at.”

Riverside (3-3) led 3-0 at halftime on two goals by Adam Fabre and another by C.J. Edler.

Millet said he wasn’t pleased with his team’s first half intensity despite the score. At halftime, he implored his team to come out with more aggression.

The message got through.

“We were a little flat in the first half. We just weren’t playing our game,” said Millet. “I saw a much better effort in the second half.”

His team may also have found a new offensive weapon. Millet took Beau Gaudet out of his goalkeeper position in the second half, and Gaudet flourished in the field, scoring four goals.

It was an early district contest – RA won’t play another until Jan. 12 against E.D. White – but one that sends a clear message of what Riverside’s intentions are this season.

“We take district play very seriously,” said Millet. “We’re setting the district title as a goal. This was a good start.”

GIRLS SOCCER

RIVERSIDE FALLS TWICE, TIES ONCE AT HHS TOURNEY – The Lady Rebels Fell 1-0 to H.L. Bourgeois and 3-1 to University on Saturday at the Hahnville tournament before tying Central Lafourche 0-0 on Sunday.

Shelby Deslatte scored Riverside’s lone goal against University.

The loss to H.L. Bourgeois came in especially tough fashion for the Rebels, as the Braves scored a goal from 30 yards away with 30 seconds left.

“She just ripped one from out there, perfectly put into the upper ‘90’,” said Millet. “You couldn’t pull that off again if your life depended on it. Just a perfect shot.”

Against Central Lafourche, Millet said his team’s defense was exceptional to preserve the tie, and noted Kaci Simon’s solid play as goalkeeper.

“She played an outstanding game for us,” said Millet.

“She communicated well, and obviously made quite a few nice saves.”

Overall, Millet thought it was a solid effort, even without a win to show for it.

“We were a bit overmatched –especially against University – but we hung in there nicely. I’m proud of everyone,” Millet said.