ROCKINGHAM — For the second week in a row, the junior varsity Lady Raider softball team split its series in Sandhills Athletic Conference play.
After picking up its first win of the season against Jack Britt High School last Friday, head coach Casey Campolieta’s team took one of its two games against Hoke County High School.
The Lady Raiders saw Thursday’s game go to extra innings before losing on the road to the Lady Bucks 6-5 in eight innings. A night later on its home field, Richmond bounced back with a 9-4 victory.
Putting together stellar performances both nights in the circle was sophomore pitcher Keartson Bruce, who combined to strikeout 30 Lady Bucks’ batters. She recorded a season-high 17 punchouts in the loss, before tacking on 13 more in the second contest.
Despite her team not winning on Thursday, Bruce helped her cause at the plate by going 3-for-4 with a 2-RBI double. Also contributing in the batter’s box were freshmen Kierston Gibson and Taylor Young, who both recorded two hits in their five respective at-bats. Young also slapped a double.
During Friday’s game, Bruce was able to pitch another complete game and earn her second win of the spring.
The leading hitter at the dish for the Lady Raiders was sophomore catcher Georgia Grace Anderson, who went 3-for-4. Freshman Hayley McCormick chipped in by going 2-for-3, while Young recorded another double, while finishing the night with two hits in three chances.
Since starting the season 0-5, the addition of Bruce in the circle has seen the Lady Raiders win two of their last four games. Campolieta’s team is now 2-6 on the year.
Richmond will look to continue to add more wins to its tally when it plays Lumberton High School twice this week. The Lady Raiders will start at home Tuesday, before making the trip east on Friday. Both games are slated for a 5 p.m. start.
