Matt Harrelson
ROCKINGHAM -- In the second of a four-match week for the Lady Raiders tennis team, head coach Mike Way's squad defeated the Lady Fighting Scots of Scotland High School 5-1 on a wet and weather-delayed afternoon. With the victory, Richmond extended its winning streak to six matches in a row.
All of the doubles matches were rained out Wednesday at RSHS due to inclement weather, but in singles action, No. 1 player Jayana Nicholson was the only Lady Raider to taste defeat when she was beat 8-6 by Claire Carter in a highly competitive contest.
Way acknowledged how much Nicholson has stepped up her game since being put into the No. 1 spot.
"She actually played really well today," he said. "Their (Scotland) No. 1 is really strong, and they played Jack Britt yesterday so she was in good form today."
Despite what Way called "tough conditions" with over an hour delay before the start, it didn't stop the rest of the Lady Raiders from dominating in singles matches.
No. 2 Greyson Way won handily 8-1 over Samantha Bowen, followed by an 8-1 victory by No. 3 player Emily Parsons 8-1, as well. No. 4 Chloe Wiggins kept the good vibes going with a shutout of Lady Scot Ziquilla Gilmore 8-0, while Taylor Parrish and Emily Buie each won 8-1 over Morgan Stewart and Cappella Moore in the five and six matches, respectively.
Way has continued to move his lineup around throughout the year with much success, however, he's leaning towards locking in the current group where they are now as they continue to navigate their Sandhills Athletic Conference schedule.
"I think we are pretty set with what we have," he explained. "Morgan Hooks has done a great job this year of stepping in when we have needed her and also staying ready to play doubles. She stepped in Tuesday at Hoke because Emily (Buie) wasn't feeling well, and we didn't miss a beat. I am fortunate to have some very competitive kids that just hate to lose."
Now with six wins in a row in their bag, the Lady Raiders will turn their focus on Lumberton High School on Thursday before gearing up for their toughest opponent, Pinecrest, on Saturday.
"We've just got to keep doing what we have been doing," the coach said about how to beat the Lady Pirates again. "We've got to play aggressively and force the action."
That action, barring another afternoon of rain, is set to take place at 4 p.m. at Richmond Senior High School Thursday. The Lady Raiders (7-3, 6-1 SAC) will then prepare for its showdown at home with the Lady Patriots of Pinecrest at 10 a.m.
