BY DAVID FOLSE II

Sports Editor

LAPLACE-When you beat a team handily the first time, your expected to not have any trouble the second time.

But that’s why they play the game.

In a comeback victory highlighted by a two-run home run from Lauren Coniglio and another solid pitching performance from Mary Clement in the circle, the Lady Comets of St. Charles Catholic defeated E.D. White 4-1.

With the win, the Lady Comets improved to 8-11 overall, but more importantly 5-1 in district 10-3A.

Falling behind early in the third inning thanks to an unearned run, the Comets tied it up in the fourth inning and took the lead for good in the fifth.

Coniglio’s homerun in the sixth added a pair of insurance runs in the 4-1 victory.

Finishing the game 1-3, Coniglio was joined by a pair of hot-hitting teammates in Kayla Rebaldo and Felicia Taylor. Rebaldo finished the game 3-3 with two runs driven in and Taylor finished 2-3 with a pair of doubles.

While the trio of Coniglio, Rebaldo and Taylor were busy providing the offensive punch, Mary Clement was her usual dominant self in the circle.

Picking up the complete game win, Clement gave up only two hits, striking out two and allowing only one unearned run.

“It’s great to start the second round of the district off with a big win,” an excited Head Coach David Lowry said. “We’re 5-1 and more importantly one step closer to clinching a playoff spot.”

Mostly used as a designated player last season, Rebaldo said she is taking advantage of her opportunity in 2005.

“It is always nice to come away with a victory against a good E.D. White team,” Rebaldo said. “It makes you feel good.

“Not being able to play that much the past two seasons, I am just trying to take advantage of every opportunity I have.”

Clement said she was excited as well to come away with the victory and credited her team’s offensive effort and providing her with some runs to work with in the circle.

“It’s always great to win a game like that,” Clement said. “We have always rivaled E.D. White in every sport. They are a very competitive program. We don’t take them lightly at all.

“I feel like four runs is a lot for me to have to work with out there in the circle. If we are hitting well and I am pitching well, I know that we are going to have a chance to be successful.”

Clement also felt comfortable with a big lead.

“When we are hitting well I am a little less nervous,” Clement said. “Because I know I don’t have to be perfect.”