By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Make it three straight victories for St. Charles against their district archrivals.

After sweeping Lutcher a season ago on their way to an undefeated district championship, the Comets began district play Tuesday with a 25-23, 17-25, 25-17, 25-23 home victory over the Bulldogs, one that effectively restates SCC’s position as the team to beat in District 6-III.

“Especially coming at home, this is a big win,” said St. Charles Coach Brandy Ryan. “It’s a good way to start off district play.”

The Comets (2-3, 1-0) have begun this season under a bit of a trial by fire – games against quality foes like John Curtis, Riverside, Hahnville and St. Martin’s preceded the Lutcher match.

Despite three losses in those matches, Ryan says it left her team well prepared for Tuesday’s tough district battle against last season’s 6-III runner-up.

“We’re gaining more experience,” she says. “The better our opponents are now, the better we’ll be at the end of the season.”

Meg Gustafson had 14 kills to lead St. Charles. Courtney Western added 26 assists. Brooke Becker notched four blocks, and Kadie Levatino had six digs.

Michelle Duhe led Lutcher (11-5, 0-1) with 11 digs and five kills. Kayla Brady matched those kills with five of her own, and Lauren Bourgeois had seven blocks.

Becker notched the winning hit in the clinching game, as SCC netted itself an early position atop the district standings.

Ryan said that while the Comets’ play wasn’t perfect, she could see that her players were intent on leaving with a victory.

“We wanted it really badly. At times they fell, and picked themselves back up.

“We hadn’t won since the Hahnville game, so I think everyone was really focused. They were mentally strong.”

The win was also important in getting St. Charles back on the right foot – the previous Thursday, the Comets fell to St. Martin’s, 25-23, 24-26, 16-25, 16-25.

The Comets were off until today – they’ll be visiting Lutcher today for the Bulldogs’ annual tournament. Matchups against Hahnville, Riverside and Ellender await.

Then it’s off to Brusly on Tuesday, as St. Charles hopes to earn one more win to its district slate.

“The thing with the girls and I is that we take it one game at a time,” Ryan said. “We missed a bunch due to the hurricane, so we’re still rounding into form. We’re not looking ahead.”