ROCKINGHAM — The first match of the new girls’ tennis season didn’t start with a team victory, but two Richmond Senior High School players notched their first career win.
The Lady Raiders kicked off their three-match non-conference schedule Wednesday by hosting Montgomery Central High School.
Despite what head coach Jessica Covington called a “strong start,” the Lady Raiders suffered a 7-2 loss.
Picking up Richmond’s victories in singles play were No. 4 freshman Molly Covington and No. 6 sophomore Erin Drumwright, two newcomers this season.
“Even though we didn’t get the team win today, I’m proud of all the girls’ efforts,” Coach Covington said. “I think we matched up pretty well and playing a team like Montgomery Central was a good measuring stick to see where we are as a program.
“I’m so happy for Molly and Erin for winning their first high school matches. Both of them are new to the sport and were able to take care of business today.
“We’re a young team with four of our six starters adjusting to new roles,” she continued. “I saw a lot of good things today and lots of positives we can build on throughout the season. We’ll take this as a learning experience and get better from it.”
In the No. 4 singles contest, Molly Covington defeated Hillary Jimenez 6-4, 6-2. Playing two courts over in the No. 6 match, Drumwright cruised past Meredith Spivey 6-4, 6-1.
On the upper courts, No. 1 senior Jentry Denson and No. 2 junior Colbie Covington lost to Emily Aguilar and Anassia Robinson, respectively. The two returning starters, also taking on new spots in the lineup, fell by scores of 3-6, 3-6 and 0-6, 0-6.
Nearly notching a win in her first varsity start was No. 3 sophomore Sydney Barnes. Facing Dinah Blake, Barnes battled to a tiebreaker but lost 2-10.
Similarly, junior Angelina Culbreth traded set scores with Sophie Trent in the No. 5 singles match and went a step further. Going to two tiebreakers, Culbreth came up just short 8-10 in her first career start.
Needing to win all three doubles matches to earn the team victory, Richmond wasn’t able to get closer to the Lady Timberwolves on the score sheet.
Denson and Colbie Covington played as the No. 1 duo, and Barnes and Molly Covington teamed up as the No. 2 team. Both pairs lost by final scores of 2-8. In the No. 3 match, Culbreth and Drumwright suffered a 1-8 loss.
The Lady Raiders (0-1) will travel to Union Pines High School Monday for another non-conference match. Singles action will start at 4 p.m.
The Richmond Observer will publish a photo gallery of Wednesday’s season-opening match soon.
