ROCKINGHAM — A pair of goals in quick succession proved to be enough for the Richmond Senior High School junior varsity girls’ soccer team Wednesday.
Back on the pitch for the second time in as many nights, the JV Lady Raiders defeated non-conference opponent Asheboro High School 2-0.
Both of Richmond’s goals were scored in the first half from two of the team’s leading goal scorers this season. Finding the back of the net were freshman Erin Drumwright and sophomore Cadence Gazoo.
The goals made it three goals for Drumwright in two matches this week and four goals the past two nights for Gazoo.
“Playing back-to-back nights, I’m proud of the way the girls handled tough competition again and played the whole match,” head coach Bennie Howard said. “We're a little banged up and we’ll try to get some rest between now and Friday. Hopefully we can finish the week 3-0.”
Controlling possession for the majority of the first half in Asheboro’s defensive end, Richmond scored its two goals in a three-minute span to take a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Sophomore Mavery Hooks got the first goal started when she took a free kick just outside the top of the 18-yard box following a hand ball. Hooks’ blast avoided the wall and bounced loose through the six-yard box.
Collecting the ball a couple yards out, Drumwright took a touch and sent a shot to the keeper’s left and into the net to break the scoreless tie in the 28th minute.
Gazoo padded the Lady Raiders’ lead before intermission, capitalizing on an Asheboro turnover near midfield. Creating space, Gazoo launched a shot from 40 yards that arced its way over the keeper’s head and under the crossbar.
The second half mirrored the first for Richmond, which dominated possession. Combining for the shutout were freshman goalkeeper Sherlyn Ramirez and sophomore Armoni Wall, who played the final 20 minutes of regulation.
The JV Lady Raiders (3-3, 1-1 Sandhills Athletic Conference) play at Union Pines Friday. The match will start at 5 p.m.
