By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

No matter what the end of district play holds, Riverside will end the year in a familiar position – as champion.

That’s because with Riverside’s 8-1 win on Tuesday over visiting Fisher, the Rebels clinched at least a share of the 10-2A crown.

The Lady Rebels (17-8, 8-0) were district champions for over 10 straight years before Curtis unseated them in 2006. The Lady Patriots are two-time defending district champions.

“We’ve been preparing for the playoffs since day one,” said Mickey Roussel. “We have a good idea of how we’ll be seeded, now.”

Brittany Schoen was 2-for-3 with three RBIs to lead the Rebels at the plate in the win.

As they have throughout District 10-2A play, the Rebels started hot at the plate. Riverside took a 5-0 lead after two innings, and increased it to 8-1 after four.

“We’ve been stressing those quick starts. It can demoralize the opponent,” said Roussel.

Marci Millet was 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. Heather LeBlanc went 2-for-3.

Riverside did not leave the game unscathed though. Heidi Garcich (11-6) earned the win, going five innings and allowing only one hit, while striking out eight.

But Garcich sprained her ankle while running out a ground ball, and was forced from the game.

“She was probably in the middle of pitching her best game of the season, too,” said Roussel.

The silver lining, of course, is that Riverside has the luxury to rest her as long as needed, the playoffs officially wrapped up.