SOUTHERN PINES — Tuesday’s match was another close one for the Richmond Senior High School girls’ soccer team.
But hindered by what head coach Chris Larsen has called the Lady Raiders’ “Achilles heel” this season, Richmond lost 2-0 on the road at Pinecrest High School.
Despite another quality outing by the defense, and the team overall according to Larsen, the Lady Raiders couldn’t find a way to score.
Pinecrest (11-4, 6-1) tallied its first goal in the seventh minute, a second-chance opportunity after senior goalkeeper Sa’Quanna Bostic made the initial stop on a long-distance shot.
Early in the second half, a header on frame put the Lady Patriots up 2-0.
“We played much better tonight than we did Friday,” Larsen said. “It was back and forth and we had a few chances to get the ball in the net. Colbie Covington had a shot from distance just over the bar, and Jentry Denson got her head on a corner kick that just didn’t have enough power.
“We felt good at the half and continued to play good defense. It was just the same story where we couldn’t muster up a reasonable shot on frame from inside the 18-yard box.
“I’m pleased with the effort tonight,” Larsen closed. “The girls fought and we were able to see different players get creative with the ball, and that’s encouraging. Tonight was a turn in the right direction for Friday.”
The Lady Raiders (5-8-1, 2-5 SAC) host Hoke County High School (5-9, 2-6 SAC) Friday at 7 p.m.
JV Lady Raiders suffer big loss
Also unable to get even in its season series with Pinecrest, the Richmond junior varsity girls’ soccer team lost Tuesday.
The JV Lady Raiders fell 10-1 to the JV Lady Patriots.
Scoring the lone goal for Richmond was sophomore Cadence Gazoo, her 10th goal this season.
Richmond (4-4, 1-3 SAC) also plays at home Friday against Hoke County. The JV game will start at 5:15 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Statistics and game information provided by Chris Larsen, Bennie Howard and Brad Denson.
