ROCKINGHAM – For the 54th time in his illustrious career as Richmond Senior High School’s head soccer coach, Bennie Howard recognized and honored his senior players in a sendoff, complete with customized flags, during a ceremony prior to Wednesday’s match against rival Scotland High School.
Escorted by friends and family, Richmond’s Shelby Matheson (defender), Hanna Millen (striker), Kathleen Pittman (defender) and Alannah Yannone (defender) were recognized in front of a pack house prior to their final regular season home game. Unfortunately Pittman and Yannone, both of whom are battling injuries, were unable to play in Wednesday’s action.
“They’re a special group of girls,” Howard said of his four seniors following his team’s second shut-out over the Lady Fighting Scots this season. “Hanna with her speed, Shelby and Alannah are both quiet and sweet young ladies, and KP (Pittman) does things to just get under my skin and makes my blood boil (he added with a chuckle). But I’m proud of all four of them and they’ve had some really good years with us out here.”
With the hunt for a tied second-place finish in the Sandhills Athletic Conference with Jack Britt still a possibility, the Lady Raiders entered Wednesday’s match having won four of their last five matches, and also in need of a win to keep pace in the standings. And behind a couple of quick Millen goals, coupled with a shutout by sophomore goalkeeper Allexis Swiney (her sixth scoreless game in net this season), Richmond (14-4, 10-3 SAC) did just what it needed to do.
Within the game’s first nine minutes, Richmond had several opportunities to put the ball past Scotland’s goalkeeper, and finally junior outside midfielder Chloe Wiggins took advantage of a lethargic Scotland defense. Cutting down the right sideline, Wiggins arched a well-placed cross near the back post that found the top of Millen’s head, who bounced it down and into the goal to get Richmond on the scoreboard with 32:44 left in the opening half.
Like the first matchup a month ago, Richmond controlled the pace of the game. The Lady Raiders moved the ball effectively through midfield and kept the Lady Scots’ defense on its heels, pouring shots all around the net. Roughly 14 minutes after Millen’s header, junior striker Morgan Hooks had a chance to head one in herself, also off a Wiggins cross, but sent the ball just wide. A few minutes later, junior forward Emily Parson cranked a shot that hit the crossbar for a near miss.
One area of concern Howard noted after the game is his team’s inability “to finish plays.” Noting that his players are great at creating the opportunity to score, Howard expressed that he’ll be working with the team in practice to try and right the ship heading into the SAC tournament next week.
“We just have a hard time scoring,” Howard said. “It’s not like we don’t work in practice how to finish and shoot. But that’s what we’re going to have to do in practice Friday and come prepared to play.”
Millen would notch her second goal of the night in the 31st minute, as she received a nice pass from Julia Bornhorst just inside the top of the 18-yard box. Corralling the ball and turning on net, Millen roped a laser to give Richmond a 2-0 lead with just under 10 minutes to go in the half. Millen’s two goals on the night, number eight and nine, tied her with Hooks for the team lead this season.
Out of the break, the lone second half goal came courtesy of junior midfielder Jayana Nicholson. With not much action going on between either team, Richmond managed to keep the ball in Scotland’s end of the field and Nicholson was rewarded. On a bouncing ball, Nicholson took possession near the top of the goalie box and sent a shot top shelf past a diving Scotland goalkeeper. Her goal at the 16:43 mark in the second half was her seventh this season, and was the final score tallied in the 3-0 affair.
“I was tickled that we came out here tonight and scored some goals,” Howard said. “Hanna’s goal was absolutely ripped. And Jayana’s was a great shot, too.”
With the loss, Scotland falls to 2-12-2 overall, and 2-9-1 in SAC play in 2018.
Swiney, who has progressed throughout the season in the net for the Lady Raiders, didn’t see much action, and faced very few shots. Her line of defenders in front of her, including Matheson, Tatum Hubbard and Avy Lucero, did a tremendous job all night from keeping the ball around midfield.
During the halftime break, RSHS Principal Jim Butler called the attention of the fans and players and called Howard and his team forward. In a brief ceremony, Butler recognized Howard for his 30 years (24 with the Lady Raiders) of service as Richmond’s head soccer coach.
Shawn Weigman Designs donated a metal cutout of a soccer ball emblazoned with the Richmond Diamond that also had “Bennie Howard” and “1988 to 2018” etched in it. Howard also received a scarf and other small gifts from his senior players.
“I don’t mind being in the public eye, but when I’m presented an award, it’s very humbling, very touching and very emotional,” Howard said. “It was a nice gesture by the team, the school and the administration. They’ve been behind me for 30 years, so I thank them for their continued support.”
The Lady Raiders will wrap up regular season play Thursday as they’ll travel to Seventy-First High School (1-14, 0-12 SAC) and make up Monday’s rained out game. The match is set to start at 6 p.m. Vying for one of the top bids, Richmond looks to land a home game in the first round of the SAC tournament, which is set to begin next week.
NOTE: In junior varsity action, the Lady Raiders also shutout their opponent, this time 7-0. Scoring goals for Richmond were Taylor Casteen (2), Kelsey Sheffield (2), Abigail Hudson (1), Jayla McDougald (1) and Aniya Robinson (1).
“We finished the year 10-2 overall, and 7-2 in conference,” said head coach Chris Larsen. “We had a great group of girls who worked hard every day and it shows with our record.
“Even in the two games we didn’t come out on the right side, we learned from it and helped make us a better team,” he continued. “As a team, we learned to play together as well as many different positions, which will help prepare the girls for varsity positions next year and continuing the success of the Lady Raiders soccer program.”
PICTURES OF SENIOR PLAYERS BELOW:
Hanna Millen
Shelby Matheson
Alannah Yannone
Kathleen “KP” Pittman
