ROCKINGHAM — Starting off the second week of recognitions, junior tennis player Hanna Smith has been named the Official Richmond County Female Student-Athlete of the Week presented by HWY 55.
Moving up to the No. 2 seed in singles play this season, Smith was the lone Lady Raider to earn a solo victory in the opening week. She also had two doubles wins.
This is Smith’s second career recognition, having also been named last September for tennis.
Athletic Profile
Year: Junior
Fall Sport: Tennis
Seed: No. 2
Years on Varsity: 3 years
Other Sports: Soccer
“ON THE COURT” WITH HANNA SMITH
The Lady Raiders had two matches last week at home against Southern Lee and Pinecrest high schools.
Although the team didn’t win either overall Sandhills Athletic Conference match, Smith emerged victorious in one of her singles matches and both of her doubles contests.
Richmond lost 2-7 against Southern Lee to open the season, which featured two wins for Smith. A day later, a 1-8 loss to Pinecrest saw Smith and teammate Neely Turner pick up another.
A three-year starter for Richmond, Smith took her new role in the rotation to her opponents.
Against Southern Lee, Smith made quick work against Evie Eller in the No. 2 singles match, earning a convincing 8-3 victory.
That was followed by another win in the No. 1 doubles match alongside Turner. The two Lady Raiders, playing their first doubles together, took down Kate Jackson and Blaire Young 8-5.
A day later, despite falling to her singles opponent, Smith helped notch a win with Turner in the top-seeded doubles contest against Pinecrest. This time the duo rolled to an 8-4 victory over Emma Medina and Ella Boles.
Richmond (0-2, 0-2 SAC) will travel to Hoke County and Union Pines high schools on Tuesday and Thursday. Singles matches will start at 4 p.m.
RAPID RESPONSE VIDEO WITH HANNA SMITH
Watch a video interview of Smith, who talks about her strong first week of play and how she’s settled in with a new doubles partner.
The Richmond Observer will publish its Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week on Tuesday.
