ROCKINGHAM — Helping the Richmond Senior High School softball team get back in the win column, senior shortstop Allyiah Swiney has been named the Official Richmond County Female Athlete of the Week presented by HWY 55.
In a win over Union Pines High School on Tuesday, Swiney and the Lady Raiders ended a two-game skid to head into spring break.
Collecting two hits at the plate in the mercy-rule victory, Swiney earned her second career selection, and first since her freshman season.
Athletic Profile
Age: 17
Birthday: July 2, 2004
Year: Senior
Spring Sport: Softball
Position: Shortstop
Years on Varsity: 4 years
Experience: 10 years
“AROUND THE BASES” WITH ALLYIAH SWINEY
The Richmond softball team responded after back-to-back losses with a 12-1 run-rule victory over Union Pines on Tuesday in five innings.
Swiney, a Campbell University softball signee, helped get a nine-run first inning started in the leadoff spot. On the second offering from pitcher Megan Needham, Swiney blasted a solo home run to right field, her first of the spring.
The Lady Raiders sent 12 batters to the plate in the home half of the first, and Swiney collected a two-out double down the left field line in her second at-bat of the game.
She scored her second run of the game when fellow senior Kenleigh Frye capped the big inning with a two-run homer to center.
With Richmond leading 12-1 in the top of the fifth, Swiney recorded the final out, squeezing a pop fly to shortstop by Taylor Parker.
Through 15 games this spring, Swiney is second on the team with a .381 batting average and leads the Lady Raiders with a .567 on-base percentage.
She has 16 hits, including five doubles and four triples, and has eight RBIs. Swiney’s 14 stolen bases also lead the team.
Richmond (11-4, 8-3 SAC) will pick things back up on Monday with a non-conference home game against Western Harnett High School (9-5) at 6 p.m.
Senior Allyiah Swiney stomps on home plate after hitting her home run in a win over Union Pines. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
RAPID RESPONSES WITH ALLYIAH SWINEY
ROSports: How was last week’s win good for the Lady Raiders in terms of getting back on the right track?
Swiney: “It was a really good win for us. We were getting down on ourselves, and when we face adversity, we have to sit back and look at what we have to do to get back in the win column.
“We did a good job of resetting and doing the things we do best. That’s being patient at the plate, Quston (Leviner) pitching well and playing strong defense behind her. The hits will come, but when we play defense, we can play with anyone in the state.”
ROSports: What is your mindset when you get up to the plate and how do you try to lead the team as a four-year starter?
Swiney: “I go up and always try to hit the ball back up the middle backside because that’s where my power is. As the leadoff, I try to set the tone and get the game started in the right direction.
“I try to lead the team by not just playing good, but by stepping up in big situations and making sure the team knows where to go each play. I always try to remain positive.”
ROSports: With the playoffs nearing, what will it take to get Richmond back to the postseason for the first time in three years?
Swiney: “I think having the right mindset and staying in our game will help us. We can’t let other teams impact how we play.
“If we step on gas early, don’t go into panic mode and play the game we know how to play, we can win a lot of games.”
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Athletes of the Week next week.
