ROCKINGHAM — Three Richmond Senior High School volleyball players earned their first respective All-Sandhills Athletic Conference selection following the 2021 season.
Senior Allyiah Swiney, junior Catherine Dennis and sophomore Katie Way were named to the 19-player roster, which was announced late last week following the elimination of all SAC teams from the 3A and 4A state playoffs.
Richmond finished the season in sixth place in the SAC standings with a 4-16 overall record and a 3-9 mark against conference opponents.
Although it wasn’t the outcome the Lady Raiders wanted, head coach Ashleigh Larsen said each of the three All-SAC selections helped the team battle through a development year.
“I am so proud to announce our three All-Conference selections,” Larsen said. “All three have worked hard to improve through the season. Allyiah worked hard to continue her role as a big outside threat, while stepping into a big leadership role.
“Catherine and Katie stepped up and adjusted to playing at the varsity level,” she continued. “They were able to adapt when we lost our libero for a few games and really improved skill wise. I am excited to know we have two All-Conference players returning for next season.”
Allyiah Swiney, senior outside hitter
A two-year varsity starter at outside hitter, Swiney was a leader who helped bring the offensive attack from the wings. She recorded 53 kills this season (0.9 kills per set), which was third on the team behind Dennis and Way. Swiney also had a 19.3 kill percentage.
From the serving line she recorded 11 aces and served 59 total points. Swiney added two blocks at the net and had 159 digs (8.8 digs per match), the most of the three All-SAC picks.
Catherine Dennis, junior middle hitter
Playing her first season on varsity, Dennis emerged as a force in the middle of the net. She led the team with 26 blocks (1.5 blocks per match) and also helped out along the back line with 37 digs (2.2 digs per match).
Dennis’ 98 kills (1.8 kills per set) were a team-high for the Lady Raiders and ranked 12th among all players in the conference. She was also first on the team with a 27.8 kill percentage. At the line, Dennis dished out 13 aces and notched 37 points.
Katie Way, sophomore middle hitter
One of six sophomores on this year’s roster, Way made the switch to varsity and contributed along the front and back lines for the Lady Raiders. Her 55 kills (1.7 kills per set) were second on the team, followed by her 27.2 kill percentage. She also had six aces and 27 points served.
At times, she played alongside Dennis in the middle, but was also able to help Richmond at the net by herself. Way had five solo blocks and registered 40 digs this season. She will join Dennis, and others, as returning starters next fall.
Pinecrest and Union Pines each had four selections, Lee County and Scotland both had three players named Hoke County and Southern Lee both had one player chosen for All-Conference.
