ROCKINGHAM — For the third time in four games this season, the Richmond Senior High School girls’ soccer team kept its opponent from scoring on Monday.
Head coach Chris Larsen said the Lady Raiders’ defensive line has shown a lot of growth through the first four games, including its performance against non-conference Lumberton High School.
Using two goals in each half and three total goal scorers, the Lady Raiders earned a 4-0 win.
Sophomore goalkeeper Quanna Bostic played approximately 65 minutes in the victory, pairing the shutout with fellow senior keeper Tatum Rhyne.
Richmond’s defense limited Lumberton (0-4) to just three shots on frame, all in the second half. Through the first four games of the season, the Lady Raiders have outscored their opponents 19-2.
Netting at least four goals for the fourth consecutive game, the Lady Raiders were led by senior midfielder Cheyenne Jacobs, who tallied two second-half goals. It was her first two strikes of the season.
Adding goals in the opening 40 minutes were sophomores Mariana Mendoza and Hanna Smith. It was Mendoza’s first of the spring and Smith’s third goal in the past three outings.
Richmond registered four shots on net in the first half, and controlled possession for a majority of the time. Mendoza started the scoring in the 21st minute, scoring the eventual game-winning goal.
On a free kick from 25 yards out, Mendoza’s shot bounced one time in front of the keeper, who misplayed the hop, which resulted in a goal.
It didn’t take Smith long to make it 2-0 in the 25th minute. Taking a pass along the right edge, Smith moved around the outside back and flicked a shot across the box into the upper corner along the far post.
The 2-0 lead would hold until halftime as Richmond also used a shot apiece from Jacobs and junior midfielder Kaleigh Cloninger.
Out of the break, the Lady Raiders continue to pressure the Lumberton defense, adding eight more shots on goal. Registering two each were Jacobs (both goals) and seniors Jenifer Gomez and Kalei Sriratanakoul.
Adding the other two were sophomore Cate Kinsey and freshman Yulissa Avalos.
Jacobs’ first goal of the game came in the 60th minute on an assist from Smith. On a counterattack, Smith threaded a pass to Jacobs in the box, who blasted it into the net.
In the 65th minute, Jacobs scored a similar goal, this time unassisted. Another pass into the box saw Jacobs work to her right around a defender before tallying the final goal of the game.
The Lady Raiders (4-0) will host non-conference Purnell Swett High School (3-0) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Larsen anticipates it to be an early-season test for Richmond.
JV Lady Raiders earn first win
Rebounding from their season-opening loss against Cape Fear, the Richmond junior varsity girls’ soccer team entered the win column on Monday.
Defeating Lumberton 9-0, the JV Lady Raiders enforced the mercy rule at halftime.
Freshman Laney Dawkins scored two goals in the win, as seven other players found the back of the net one time.
Also scoring in the blowout victory were sophomores Genesis Alicea (penalty kick), Marie Esquivel, Karley Simmons, Yarley Vargas and freshmen McKayla Brown, Ella Gibson and Zoey Robson.
“We played better tonight and did a better job of staying in our grids and not bunching up,” head coach Bennie Howard said. “Even though we scored nine goals, we still lack some power to put some zip on the ball.
“I’m happy for the girls and we’re continuing to grow. We’ll take this and use several days of practice to work out some kinks to get ready for our next game.”
The JV Lady Raiders (1-1) will have an extended break before playing at home against Pinecrest High School on March 17. That game will begin at 5:15 p.m.
