By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Brooke Becker scored 25 points to help lead St. Charles to its fourth victory in five games, 55-40 at home over Riverside on Monday.

Michelle Marzoni scored nine and Brittany Roussel scored seven for the Comets (10-6).

Sarah Levin scored 14 to lead the Rebels (4-8). Marci Millet added 11.

St. Charles got off to a hot start and rode the momentum to victory after outscoring Riverside 29-5 in the first half of play.

“We jumped out to a lead after forcing some turnovers in our full court defense,” said St. Charles coach Erin Remondet. “We were able to capitalize on those and get some easy layups.”

The win was a welcome beginning to a week following one that saw the Comets win three of four games, including two in the Grace King tournament over the weekend.

The Comets could finish no higher than fifth in the tourney after a 61-39 opening round loss to Chalmette on Thursday, but it rebounded to win its last two.

Marzoni led the team against Chalmette with 10 points.

“We just didn’t show up to play,” said Remondet. “I could tell from the first possession when they jumped out on us.”

But the Comets’ fortunes turned suddenly in the third quarter of its Friday night matchup with Belle Chasse. Belle Chasse led by four at halftime, but St. Charles came out scorching in the third quarter, outscoring Belle Chasse 31-7 on its way to a 62-33 win. Marzoni hit three three pointers in the third quarter.

“At halftime I told them, there are no adjustments to be made,” said Remondet. “We just have to start knocking down shots and hit the boards. We made everything we threw up.”

Becker led the team with 26. Marzoni scored 17.

On Saturday night, the Comets had little trouble with East Jefferson, defeating them 47-19. The Comets led throughout, leading 14-4 after a quarter and 29-10 at the half.

Becker and Marzoni each scored 13, while Jennifer Julian scored eight.

Remondet said that the early score of the game allowed everyone to play in the game – and contribute.

“Whether it was scoring or defensively, everyone contributed in some way. They gained some confidence I think after the Belle Chasse game.”

Last Tuesday, St. Charles matched up with Belle Chasse for the second time of three meetings this season, and survived a late charge to hold onto a 45-42 win at home.

St. Charles led by 13 in the fourth quarter, but Belle Chasse lengthened the game by getting to the foul line, cutting the lead down. But they could get no closer than three.

“We kept putting them on the line,” Remondet said. “We were able to hold our ground though.”

Becker scored 21, while Roussel scored 11.