PEMBROKE — Spending time making corrections at practice helped the Richmond Senior High School volleyball team break into the win column Thursday.
Two days after a disappointing start to the season, the Lady Raiders responded with their first victory of the fall.
Making the road trip to Purnell Swett High School, Richmond defeated the Lady Rams 3-1. Set scores in the non-conference match were 23-25, 25-9, 25-13 and 25-21.
“This was a great way for the girls to respond after not getting a win earlier this week,” head coach Ashleigh Larsen said. “We came out a little shaky in the first set, but the girls rallied and capitalized on the things we’ve been working on in practice.
“In the final three sets, the girls played as a cohesive unit and made things happen,” she added. “We were moving all over the floor, swinging aggressively and making blocks at the net. We will look to keep building on those things with a busy schedule next week.”
The Lady Raiders (1-1) will finish their non-conference series with Lee County High School (2-0) Tuesday, the first of three matches next week. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
JV Lady Raiders also enter win column
Also playing at Purnell Swett Thursday, the Richmond junior varsity volleyball team got a win on the board.
Similar to the varsity team, Richmond rallied after dropping the first set and won 2-1. Set scores were 21-25, 25-20 and 15-6.
“It’s good we got in the win column,” head coach Melissa Dennis said. “Our serves cost us tonight in that first set.
“But the girls played really well defensively and were aggressive even from the back row. Their momentum and energy really made a difference in the final two sets.”
Now 1-1 to start the season, the JV Lady Raiders will play at Lee County Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Match information provided by coaches Ashleigh Larsen and Melissa Dennis.
