ROCKINGHAM — The final push for athletic programs at Richmond Senior High School will begin this week following spring break.
Several teams, including the baseball, softball, boys’ golf and the track and field teams, will wrap up regular-season action. The girls’ soccer team will also return to the pitch this week.
Baseball looking to carry momentum into Scotland series
After winning the Terry Sanford Easter Invitational over Sandhills Athletic Conference foe Pinecrest last Tuesday, the Raiders (13-5, 5-5 SAC) are on a current four-game winning streak.
Hoping to return to the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs for the first time since 2019, the Raiders will play three straight days. Richmond will open with a road game on Tuesday at rival Scotland (16-4, 8-2 SAC).
Then the Raiders will travel to non-conference Lumberton (9-9) on Wednesday and wrap up regular-season play against the Fighting Scots on Thursday. Both Scotland games are set for 7 p.m., and the Lumberton game will begin at 6 p.m.
The Raiders will start the week in fifth place in the SAC standings, and are currently second in the 4A standings.
Girls’ soccer to play two more conference matches
The Richmond girls’ soccer team will get two more chances to add a tally in the win column this week, starting by hosting Union Pines High School (11-3-1, 7-1 SAC) on Tuesday. In the teams’ first meeting, the Lady Raiders (8-8-1, 3-5-1 SAC) lost in double overtime.
Closing the week will be a trip to Lee County (8-4-1, 4-3 SAC) on Friday, another team the Lady Raiders will try and even the season series with. Earlier this spring, Richmond dropped a close 2-1 decision at home.
Currently in fifth place in the SAC standings, the Lady Raiders are also projected as the second 4A team. Richmond still has its eyes on reaching the playoffs this season, and will conclude with senior night against Scotland next week.
Action against Union Pines will start at 7 p.m. and the Lee County match will start at 6 p.m.
Softball to honor seniors on Friday
Another team hoping to make the postseason for the first time in three years, the Lady Raider softball team will take on just one conference opponent this week.
Richmond (11-4, 8-3 SAC) hasn’t played in nearly two weeks, and will feature a showdown with rival and conference-leading Scotland (17-2, 10-0 SAC) on Friday.
It will also be senior night to recognize Kenleigh Frye and Allyiah Swiney. In the first meeting at Scotland, the Lady Raiders fell 7-4.
Entering the week, the Lady Raiders are in second place in the SAC standings and are the top 4A school, just ahead of Hoke County (12-10, 6-4 SAC). Senior night is set to begin at 7 p.m.
Golf to conclude regular season, track and field teams set for conference championship
The Richmond boys’ golf team will wrap up its sixth and final regular-season match at Pinehurst No. 6 on Monday. The 18-hole match will start at 3 p.m., with golfers looking to qualify for regionals.
Southern Lee High School will be the site for the SAC track and field championship for both the Richmond boys’ and girls’ teams. With numerous athletes for both squads anticipated to place, events will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Note: The Richmond Observer will also continue its coverage of Richmond junior varsity and local middle school sports this week.
