ROCKINGHAM — A big week on the volleyball court has named junior middle hitter Catherine Dennis the Official Richmond County Female Athlete of the Week, presented by HWY 55.
A trio of matches last week for the Lady Raiders ended in two more wins, with Dennis serving as a pivotal player at the middle of the net.
Notching her second career recognition, Dennis has helped Richmond out to a 6-4 start, including a 2-2 mark against Sandhills Athletic Conference opponents.
Athletic Profile
Year: Senior
Fall Sport: Volleyball
Position: Middle Hitter
Years on Varsity: 2 years
“AT THE NET” WITH CATHERINE DENNIS
Richmond started its week with a pair of wins over Hoke County and Anson high schools, before falling to Union Pines. Dennis had her best outing of the season in a 3-2 win over the Lady Bucks on Tuesday.
The Lady Raiders rolled out to a two-set lead but had to hang on to win the decisive fifth frame. Dennis finished the match leading all hitters with 18 kills, a season-high for her. She had seven kills in the third set and added five in the fourth.
One of Dennis’ four kills in the opening set was the game-winner. In the final set, Dennis tallied her final kill, part of an 6-3 run by the team late. Dennis also had two digs and two aces.
A night later, Dennis and the Lady Raiders brought more heavy hitting against Anson in a 3-1 victory. Following her strong performance from the night before, Dennis racked up a team-high 14 kills with junior Katie Way adding depth at the middle with 10 kills.
Notching four kills in the first and third sets, Dennis had three each in the second and fourth. Richmond lost the first set, but a kill from Dennis tied the match to extend it to extra points. A kill from her in the second made it set point.
During an 11-0 serving run in the fourth by junior Jenna Gardner, Dennis had her final three kills. She also registered three blocks in the win.
The Lady Raiders fell in straight sets in their final match of the week, but Dennis tried to get the comeback started. She had three kills in the third set, the final of which gave Richmond a 24-22 lead, but Union Pines escaped with the win.
Richmond (6-4, 2-2 SAC) will travel to Lee County on Tuesday and Anson on Wednesday, both beginning around 6:15 p.m.
RAPID RESPONSE VIDEO WITH CATHERINE DENNIS
Watch a video interview of Dennis, who talks about her successful week at the net, her plans for after high school and explains who on the team has the best dance moves at practice.
The Richmond Observer will publish its Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week soon.
