By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Riverside entered this softball season needing to replace a lot of firepower in its lineup after 2013 graduations. The early returns suggest the Rebels have players who might just be up to the task.

Erica Delaneuville’s 3-run home run in the first inning sparked Riverside in its season opener Thursday, the Rebels emerging with a 15-0 victory over visiting Thibodaux in four innings by the 15-run rule.

“It was a great opening win for us,” said Riverside coach Kristy Hebert. “I was very impressed by the first inning. We were able to string some hits together and put runs across early. I thought we came out really strong.”

Riverside scored seven runs in each of the first and fourth innings of play. Delaneuville led the way with four RBIs. 

Toni Hebert went 3-for-4 with a double as the team’s new leadoff hitter. Peyton Sutton went 2-for-3. Jamie Milioto , Madison Watson and Rayne Weber each went 2-for-3 at the plate, with Milioto collecting two RBIs and Weber driving in another. 

Kristy Hebert said Delaneuville’s home run provided a lift for everyone.

“Everyone was able to relax a little bit there,” she said. “For a long time, we’ve had Taylor Terrio in that leadoff spot and Destin Vicknair in our three-hole. There’s always that question when players like that move on … today, Toni got on to lead-off, then Peyton got on and Erica hit the home run and it kind of gave everyone that confidence of, we can do this.”

Cheyenne Triche started and finished the game for Riverside (1-0), tossing a two-hit shutout in four innings. She struck out one and walked three.

Kristy Hebert was pleased with Triche’s first career start, as well as her team’s defense.

“It was a good effort. She struck out one, which also tells you that our defense did a good job backing her up today,” she said. “We made some good plays today. I think we can only gain confidence from today.”

Riverside has a pair of tough tests on tap today at the Brusly tournament. First, RA will face Barbe at 5 p.m. After that, the Rebels will face host Brusly at 7 p.m. 

That second matchup will pit Brusly, the defending Class 3A champion, against the Rebels, who finished as Class 2A’s runner up. 

“The tournament is a chance to compete against three teams that offer really tough competition for us. It’ll only make us better,” said Kristy Hebert. “It’s a chance to see where we’re at.”