ROCKINGHAM — Three tennis players at Richmond Senior High School were named to the All-Conference team earlier this month.
Earning a roster spot on the 18-player All-Mid South Conference girls’ tennis team were senior Jentry Denson, junior Colbie Covington and freshman Molly Covington.
For Denson, a four-year member of the Lady Raider program, it was her second career selection and second consecutive postseason nod to end her career.
Colbie Covington, who’s been a starter for three seasons, along with newcomer Molly Covington, each received her first career All-Conference selection.
All three were instrumental in Richmond’s success in the first season of the newly formed MSC, which resulted in a 6-7 overall record and a 5-5 record against conference opponents.
The trio of Lady Raiders led Richmond to a playoff berth and the second round of the NCHSAA 7A West playoffs, while Denson and Molly Covington also made it to the individual regional playoffs.
Receiving the MSC’s “Player of the Year” honor was Sara Tepatti of Pinecrest High School. She recorded a 19-3 overall record this season.
The conference’s other top accolade, “Coach of the Year,” went to Pinecrest’s Gail Deese.
“When we started this season, Jentry and Colbie were our only two returning starters,” head coach Jessica Covington shared. “They rose to the challenge, took on the top two spots in our lineup and faced some really good competition.
“Molly also had a great season and quickly became a part of our success,” she added. “I’m proud of all three girls. They each contributed in their own way, but also made great teammates and doubles partners. I’m excited for them and hope they see that their hard work paid off.”
Jentry Denson, senior
As one of Richmond’s two returning starters this season, Denson began the campaign as Richmond’s No. 1 singles player. Throughout the season, she also found success playing in the No. 2 and No. 3 slots.
Denson collected a 9-17 overall record, including a 4-8 record in the No. 1 doubles pairing with Colbie Covington. In singles play, she had a 5-8 record. Her solo win in the No. 1 singles spot came against Scotland.
Most of Denson’s success during her final season came in No. 3 singles matches. Playing a total of seven matches, she earned a 4-3 record. She defeated her Hoke County opponent twice, and won a match against Jack Britt and Overhills.
Both of Denson’s largest margins of victory came against Scotland this season. She won 8-0 in singles and combined with Colbie Covington for an 8-1 win in doubles.
“It feels really good to make All-Conference again, especially to end my senior season that way,” Denson said. “Playing at the top of the lineup the past three years has been so rewarding and has really pushed me to be better every season. I love being able to look back and see how much I’ve grown and how all the hard work has paid off.
“My time with the program has meant a lot to me,” she continued. “I’ve met some of my best friends and made so many great memories. Tennis has taught me discipline, how to stay calm under pressure and how to get back up even when things get tough, which I know will help me in life after high school.”
Colbie Covington, junior
Richmond’s other returning veteran this season, Colbie Covington was consistent at the top of the lineup and bounced between the No. 1 and No. 2 singles spots.
Securing an 8-18 overall record between singles and doubles, Covington picked up half of her wins alongside Denson as part of the No. 1 doubles team. In singles action, Covington went 4-9 overall and had three of those wins come in the top-seeded match.
Taking advantage of Hoke County’s lineup, Covington earned two of those No. 1 wins against the Lady Bucks. The other came against Jack Britt, which was her first singles win of the season. In the No. 2 slot, she added a victory over Scotland.
Both of Covington’s best performances this season were 8-1 wins over Scotland in singles and doubles (with Denson).
“It feels great to make All-Conference,” Colbie Covington shared. “I was set at a higher position in the lineup this year, so it was easier to accomplish this goal, along with playing better competition.
“I have learned a ton from playing people who are as good or better than me,” she added. “And I can share that with my teammates next year and hopefully help everyone get better.”
Molly Covington, freshman
Filling one of the four open spots left in the starting lineup, Molly Covington burst onto the scene as a freshman and found a lot of success on the court. Starting as the No. 4 singles player, Covington finished the season in the No. 2 spot.
Totaling an 8-19 overall record, including the postseason, Covington combined for four singles wins and four doubles wins. Paired with sophomore Sydney Barnes as the No. 2 doubles pairing, Covington helped sweep Jack Britt and pick up wins over Scotland and Overhills.
Getting one win in both the No. 2 and No. 4 slots, Covington’s other two wins were in the No. 3 spot. Those two wins came against Scotland and Jack Britt. The other victories were against Jack Britt and Montgomery Central, the latter of which was her first career win.
Covington’s largest win in singles was a 6-0, 6-1 win against Jack Britt. She teamed up with Barnes for an 8-0 win against Scotland for her largest doubles win.
“I feel grateful for this opportunity,” Molly Covington said. “I think being able to make All-Conference will help me play confidently next season. I think I overcame feeling nervous about playing in front of people and also my lack of experience playing against older grades.
“What I learned most is that I’m able to make mistakes and not feel embarrassed about them,” she added. “I also feel like it’s easier to talk to my mom (Coach Covington) about what I need to improve on. Playing with my sister Colbie has definitely made me better and I feel like I’ve also learned a lot from just watching her play.”
