ROCKINGHAM — With a successful spring campaign, the Richmond Senior High School softball team was rewarded with a handful of postseason accolades.
The Mid-South Conference released its All-Conference team earlier this month, which landed five Lady Raider players on the roster.
Finishing second in the final conference standings, Richmond’s five players were all first-time selections.
Representing the Lady Raiders were senior Hayden Robinson, junior Jorja Moore, sophomores Madison Hancock and Mackenzie Quick, and freshman Ava Claire Clark.
Hoke County High School swept the top individual awards. Niya Jones was voted the MSC’s “Pitcher of the Year” and “Player of the Year,” with the Lady Bucks’ Heather Glass tabbed as “Coach of the Year.”
The Lady Raiders had a season of resurgence in 2026, climbing the conference standings to finish second out of six teams. Richmond posted a 9-14 overall record and a 7-3 mark against MSC opponents.
Part of the success for the team and second-year head coach Caroline Wilson was returning to the NCHSAA 7A state playoffs.
“Overall I feel like we grew this season from the beginning,” Wilson said. “We placed second in the conference, which was an improvement from the previous years.
“Five girls making All-Conference is a major accomplishment and honor for our program,” she added. “They’ve worked hard and I’m proud of them for this achievement. We have room to grow and I’m expecting big things next year from this group.”
Hayden Robinson, Senior Third Baseman
First All-Conference Selection
A staple on the varsity team since her sophomore season, Robinson took full advantage of her senior year, especially at the plate. A silent leader for the Lady Raiders who led by example, Robinson brought the boom and let her bat and power do the talking this spring.
From the leadoff spot in the lineup, Robinson often gave Richmond’s offense a jolt as she led the team with nine home runs, a single-season career-high. Her nine homers also led the MSC and ranked her tied for third with CJ Haines (South Iredell High School) for the most longballs in the 7A classification.
Finishing with a .329 batting average, third on the team, Robinson ranked second-best in the MSC with a .781 slugging percentage. Her 24 total hits were second on the team, with 15 going for extra-base hits (nine homers, six doubles). Finishing tied with Clark with 21 runs scored to lead the team, Robinson was second for Richmond with 21 runs batted in.
Recording eight multi-hit games, Robinson had six outings where she recorded two or more RBI. Her best performance was a three-hit, four-RBI game against Montgomery Central that featured a double and a homer.
“It means a lot to earn my first All-Conference selection, especially in my final season,” Robinson said. “It’s something I’ve worked really hard for over the years, so it feels rewarding to see that hard work pay off and I couldn’t be more thankful.
“My teammates and supporters outside the fence have played a big part in my success this season, even at the plate. I never went a day without hearing a ‘good job’ or ‘I’m so proud of you.’ To me, that helped a lot especially through the challenges and tough games.
“Playing softball at Richmond has taught me a lot about hard work, leadership and overcoming challenges,” Robinson added. “It has taught me how to stay up and keep pushing even when things don’t go my way. Those lessons will definitely help me in the future because they apply not only in sports, but also in life and everywhere else around me.”
Wilson pointed to Robinson’s bat as her biggest contribution this season, also noting her fulfilling several other roles that benefited the team.
“Hayden has been big for us at the plate this year with her nine home runs,” Wilson said. “She also played a big role in the field and was always willing to play wherever I put her. We will miss her next year.”
Jorja Moore, Junior Catcher
First All-Conference Selection
The only position player to face the opposite way than her teammates as catcher, Moore made her efforts behind the plate count. Looking to redeem herself after a slow sophomore season following an injury, Moore anchored Richmond’s revolving door of pitchers and provided toughness and grit.
Leading the MSC in fielding percentage, Moore completed 99.2% of her plays without making a mistake. This season, she recorded 125 putouts, had four assists and made just one error in 130 chances. Moore threw out five batters trying to steal a base and saved several runs at the plate by stopping pitches or tagging runners out.
An up-and-coming leader for the Lady Raiders, Moore batted .159 this season. She recorded 11 hits, including three doubles, one triple and one home run. Driving in six RBI, Moore recorded a season-high two RBI in a win over Montgomery Central.
“It’s a great feeling to make All-Conference,” Moore said. “It gives me a lot of confidence for myself moving forward. Coming off an injury from my freshman year, my sophomore season was not what I had hoped, but I put in the work and really showed myself my junior year.
“Working in the offseason is what led me to being very successful defensively. I knew I wanted it for myself this season, and to help the team, so I made it happen
“I hope to find my bat during my senior year and keep my defense where it is,” Moore added. “I hope to carry our softball team as a leader, too.”
Wilson echoed Moore’s sentiments about having a bounce back year, and said Moore’s attitude and grit made her a valued player on the team.
“Jorja served as our main catcher this year, and coming back from an ankle injury, she put the work in during the offseason and her dedication paid off this season,” Wilson commented. “She showed tremendous growth, and through all the trials, did everything with a smile.”
Madison Hancock, Sophomore Pitcher/Infielder
First All-Conference Selection
Playing at the varsity level for her first full season, Hancock developed into one of the Lady Raiders’ most consistent pitching arms. Also a middle infielder, Hancock began as a relief pitcher before moving to a starting role.
In her 37.1 innings pitched, which were the second-most innings pitched on the team behind junior Emma Rusich (50.0 innings), Hancock recorded a team-low 3.56 earned run average. She made 11 appearances, including seven starts, and struck out a total of 38 batters, ranking her fifth in the MSC.
Striking out four batters or more five times, Hancock collected a single-game career-high 10 strikeouts against Pine Forest. She held opposing hitters to a .266 average this season.
At the plate, Hancock batted .222 with 12 hits (10 singles, two doubles), four RBI and 13 runs scored. She swiped nine stolen bases, tied with Clark for the second-most on the team.
“It feels great being named All-Conference, and I was pretty surprised,” Hancock shared. “But I’m glad I was able to prove that I can do a job as an underclassman.
“I was able to be successful pitching because I had really good spin on my curveball and it seemed to work the best. And I was most confident using that pitch. I struggled at the plate at the beginning of the season, but as I made adjustments, I just told myself to make contact and I started doing better.
“I expect our team to do better next season and can I see us going far in the playoffs,” Hancock continued. “I want to grow and keep dominating on the mound and have the help from my team.”
Using Hancock in the circle for a large chunk of innings proved beneficial, Wilson said, adding she believes Hancock has more to offer in the future.
“Madison played a key role for us in the circle this year and was always open to trying anything I threw at her,” Wilson shared. “Being a 10th grader, I’m expecting big things from her in the upcoming years.”
Mackenzie Quick, Sophomore Pitcher
First All-Conference Selection
A promising start as a freshman was cut short by a back injury last season for Quick. Returning for her second varsity season, and getting back to full strength, Quick was a reliable bat in the lineup for the Lady Raiders, while also serving as a go-to hurler from the circle.
Doing the most damage with her bat, Quick had a slash line of .441/.548/.676. Her .441 batting average ranked her second on the team behind Clark and put her fourth-best in the MSC. She was also ranked No. 5 in the MSC with her .676 slugging percentage.
In 16 games, Quick connected for 15 hits, including five doubles and a home run. She drove in nine RBI and scored 11 runs this spring. In a win over Pine Forest, Quick had single-game career-highs with four hits (three singles, double) and five RBI. Three times this season, Quick had multi-RBI games.
In the circle, Quick started nine games for Richmond and made 14 appearances. She recorded 35.1 innings and had an 11.49 ERA with 36 strikeouts and a .335 average against. Quick’s six strikeouts against Jack Britt were a season-high.
“Earning my first All-Conference selection this season feels incredible,” Quick shared. “I honestly was not expecting it after being sidelined due to injury last year. My goal was to come back and really prove to be a valuable part of this team. Being a part of all the talented girls that make up this team really made this an unforgettable year.
“After fracturing my spine last year, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t extremely nervous about getting back out there. The confidence that my coaches, family and even coaches from other sports constantly gave me, really allowed me to play with less hesitation. I think the confidence they all had in me allowed me to have more confidence in myself and play more freely. The games where I stayed out of my head were some of my best games.
“My individual goals over the next two years are to continue to improve offensively and defensively,” Quick said. “I was able to play some different positions this year defensively and I want to continue to be a player who can be utilized at any position I’m needed. For our team, my goal would be us to secure a conference championship. I know we have the ability to achieve this and can’t wait for the next two years of Raider softball.”
Alluding to Quick’s injury a season prior, Wilson said little doubt remained whether Quick would be able to make the adjustment this season.
“After being put on injured reserve her freshman season due to a back injury, Mackenzie took this season head on and did not disappoint,” Wilson said. “Her batting average was a career high for her and she also played a key role on the mound and in the field.”
Ava Claire Clark, Freshman Shortstop/Pitcher
First All-Conference Selection
Exploding onto the high school softball scene, Clark provided the offensive spark that Richmond needed to win more games than the season before. Cementing a strong group of underclassmen that paired nicely with Richmond’s seniors, Clark made her bat and power known throughout the conference.
Clark ended her rookie campaign as Richmond’s offensive leader in several categories – batting average (.514), slugging percentage (1.056), total hits (37), doubles (9), triples (6), RBI (24) and tied with Robinson with runs scored (21). Of those categories, Clark was also the leader in the MSC in batting average, slugging percentage, total hits and triples.
Showing off her power, Clark ended the season with six home runs, second on the team and second in the conference behind Robinson. Her 24 RBI were tied for third in the conference with Autumn Portmann (Overhills), and she was third in 7A in triples and ninth in 7A in slugging percentage.
Recording 10 multi-hit games, Clark had seven three-hit performances. In six different games, Clark had two or more extra-base hits. She also had six multi-RBI games at the plate, including a single-game career-high five RBI against Pine Forest. Three times this spring Clark drove in three RBI for the Lady Raiders.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment to earn All-Conference as a Raider freshman, especially in a sport I’m so passionate about,” Clark said. “I take softball seriously and have a lot of respect for the game. I’ve worked really hard for everything I’ve achieved, and I’m grateful to my coaches for believing in me and giving me the opportunity. I also want to thank my teammates for their support because it means a lot.
“I think my success comes from the extra time and effort I put in when nobody’s watching. That’s where the work really happens. When I step into the batter’s box, I’m not thinking about mechanics or overanalyzing anything, I just trust the work I’ve already put in and do what I am good at, going yard. At that point, it’s all instinct. I stay confident, I don’t let anything get in my head, and I just go out there and compete.
“This team is really special,” Clark continued. “We’ve got an amazing group of diverse, talented athletes, but what really stands out is how we support each other through the good and the bad. That’s what helps us grow and get better.
“There’s always room for improvement. We’re going to keep improving by putting in extra time and work, even in the offseason. On the field, we just need to clean up our at-bats, play smarter with a higher softball IQ and limit our mistakes.”
Wilson acknowledged that Clark put in a lot of extra work this season and said that was a big part in her finding success at the plate. Like the other underclassmen, Wilson has high expectations for Clark.
“As a starting freshman on varsity, Ava Claire took her role head on and never complained or budged,” Wilson explained. “She put the work in, and from the start of the season to the finish, she grew all around.
“She was always open to feedback and did every task with a smile. I’m excited to see how she grows in the next three years.”
