ROCKINGHAM — It was a clean sheet performance for the Richmond Senior High School boys tennis team Wednesday.
Back on the court for the second time in as many days, the Raiders recorded their first team victory of the spring campaign.
Hosting Sandhills Athletic Conference opponent Lee County High School, Richmond rolled to a 9-0 shutout win.
“It was really great to see we carried the same momentum we played with yesterday into today’s match,” head coach Jessica Covington said. “And I’m so excited for the boys to be rewarded for all their hard work and get their first win of the season in such a big way.
“The boys were aggressive in their serving and moved their feet really well, which allowed them to make good shots,” she continued. “Getting ahead early in games also gave them some confidence to be able to continue playing really good tennis.”
Seniors Brent Humann and Will Whitley each earned his first singles victory of the season in shutout fashion, 8-0.
In the No. 3 match, Humann defeated Hunter Jackson and Whitley made quick work against Edgar Augree.
No. 6 junior Noah Gil, who made his first start of the spring, rolled to an 8-1 victory over Jayden Gibbs. It was also his first career win.
No. 2 junior Matthew Leggett and No. 5 freshman Ben Lutz each earned big wins. Leggett, who notched his team-leading second singles win, defeated Nathan Jones 8-2. Lutz secured his first career victory in an 8-3 decision over Jason Alverez.
Rounding out Richmond’s six singles victories, No. 1 junior Jordan Jacobs notched an 8-5 win against Finley Benton.
The Raiders kept the Ws rolling in doubles play, winning by large margins in all three matches.
Facing the same opponents as singles, Jacobs and Leggett paired up for an 8-1 victory in the No. 1 match.
The No. 2 duo of Humann and Whitley blanked their two Lee County foes 8-0, while Lutz and Gil shut the door on the shutout with an 8-1 win.
The Raiders (1-2, 1-2 SAC) will get an extended break before returning to the court next Thursday at Scotland High School. Singles matches will start at 4 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: A photo gallery of Wednesday’s win over Lee County will be post later in the week.
