ROCKINGHAM — Competing against one of the tougher teams in the Sandhills Athletic Conference on Thursday, the Lady Raider tennis team held its footing.
Playing on their home court for the second time this week, the Lady Raiders suffered a 2-7 loss to Union Pines High School.
“We knew we were facing one of the better teams in the conference and I thought the girls played awesome,” head coach Jessica Covington said. “All of the girls were competitive and fought hard for each point. Everyone showed improvement.
“Hanna (Smith) and Savannah (Jordan) have played great matches this week and were rewarded with another win today. It’s great to see them being successful early on.”
Both of Richmond’s wins came in singles play, with both Lady Raiders collecting their second win in as many matches.
With matches following a pro-eight format, No. 4 sophomore Hanna Smith recorded an 8-4 win over Madelyn Ragsdale.
Two courts over, first-year senior Savannah Jordan made quick work in her match with Saeda Yoxtheimer. She rolled to an 8-3 win.
Falling in their respective singles matches were No. 1 senior Hana Oki, No. 2 junior Neely Turner, No. 3 senior Addison Massey and No. 5 senior Ashlyn Bouldin.
Oki lost 1-8 to Tyne Ross, Turner fell short 2-8 to Lily Slyman, Massey also fell 1-8 to Abby Robertson and Bouldin was edged 6-8 by Kinsley Creel.
In doubles play, the Lady Raiders were swept in all three matches by Union Pines (3-0).
The No. 1 pairing of Oki and Turner lost 5-8, No. 2 Massey and Smith fell 4-8 and the No. 3 duo of Bouldin and Jordan came up short 3-8.
The Lady Raiders (1-2, 1-2 SAC) will return to conference play next Tuesday with a road match at Lee County High School.
Their only match of the week, the Lady Raiders will start singles play at 4 p.m.
