Conference opener results in shutout win for Richmond

SANFORD — Opening Sandhills Athletic Conference play Tuesday, the Lady Raider volleyball team posted a clean sheet.

Back on the court for the second time in as many days, Richmond blanked Southern Lee High School 3-0 in straight sets.

The Lady Raiders won by set scores of 25-20, 30-28 and 25-14.

Head coach Ashleigh Larsen credited the win to a more aggressive attack along the front row, as well as the defense continuing to play soundly.

She noted that the Lady Raiders still had “a few too many” miscues at the service line, an area of the game that she said needs to sharpen up as conference play continues.

“We were ahead eight or nine points in the first set and then we let them come back,” Larsen recounted. “There were just some little errors here and there. Offensively, we swung more tonight but the girls need to find the court more consistently.

“I thought there was better decision-making tonight when we were able to place the ball. The defense picked up quite a few balls and Ava (Edmondson) made good passes.

“Our serving was better tonight than it was (Monday), but that’s a factor we have to work on,” she closed. “I’m happy for the girls to get a win to start conference play, it’s good to keep their confidence up. We just need to learn to stay ahead when we have a lead and close out sets.”

The Lady Raiders (5-2, 1-0 SAC) will face another road test Thursday at Pinecrest High School (4-3, 0-0 SAC). First serve against the reigning conference champions is slated for 6 p.m.

JV volleyball team adds win

Notching another win Tuesday, the Richmond junior varsity volleyball team also defeated Southern Lee 2-0.

It was the JV Lady Raiders’ second straight sweep after shutting out Montgomery Central High School Monday. Set scores were 25-15 and 25-20.

“The girls played hard tonight,” head coach Melissa Dennis said. “It feels good to get a win in the first conference game of the season.”

The JV Lady Raiders (4-2, 1-0 SAC) travel to Pinecrest Thursday. Play will start at 5 p.m.

Sports editor’s note: Ashleigh Larsen, Melissa Dennis and Kenny Smith contributed to this article.