By ROBERT L. LEE

RESERVE – After battling through a group of games almost everyday this week, with district foe Mt. Hermon in the middle of the mix, the Reserve Christian School Eagles expect to build on their momentum heading into the post season.

An eight-game win streak, including a win over one of the top five programs, Country Day, has propelled the Eagles from a 1-3 beginning, to a 9-4 overall record.

“I was quite happy to win that game (Country Day) to say the least, it boosted our confidence and was a turning point in our season,” said Eagles head coach Wade Delaneuville. “Hopefully by the end of this week, we’ll be 15-4.”

The past two seasons, the Eagles landed a position in the post season, but were knocked out in the first round. Delaneuville said he is looking forward to crossing that hurdle this season. He said this year’s team is prepared for the task, although the trek will remain tough because of unexpected events or plays and points, which are always possible in baseball. The Eagles’ match Wednesday evening at home against Mt. Hermon should break their tie for the district championship. The two teams faced off earlier in the season, but was halted early because of weather.

“A monsoon stopped our last game and we were winning 6-3 in the second inning,” explained Delaneuville.

He said the entire team has been successful on the field, although he couldn’t help but credit senior Seth Guidry for leading the Eagles in their flight for the playoffs.

“I had big expectations and he has come through and met them,” Delaneuville continued. Guidry has pitched seven wins with only one loss, while maintaining a .525 batting average for the Eagles.

Along the list of exceptional players, Delaneuville commented about Matt Jackson’s 3-0 record from the mound, along with timely hitting to help keep the Eagles on track.

Following Jackson from the basketball court is also Frankie Francois and Demond “Tweety” Carter. This season, Francois has been plagued with swelling and what appears to be tendinitis in the knee he would land on while pitching. Delaneuville said because of the injury, he placed Francois on third base and not on the mound as much as he hoped for earlier in the season.

“And what can you say about Tweety? He is a great athlete and comes from a real athletic family,” said Delaneuville. As an example, Delaneuville said he played high school baseball with Carter’s father, Herbert, before Carter was drafted to play in the minor leagues for the Minnesota Twins.

“I am proud of my boys,” Delaneuville continued, “It’s been an uphill battle with basketball going so far, but we’ve been pretty successful.”