ROCKINGHAM — Back in the full swing of things, the Richmond Senior High School volleyball team will be the first program to kick off the new 2021-22 sports calendar.
After maneuvering through a shortened season last November due to the pandemic, the Lady Raiders will return to a full 20-match schedule in a newly aligned 3A/4A Sandhills Athletic Conference.
Led by fourth-year head coach Ashleigh Larsen, the Lady Raiders bring an underclassman heavy squad into the new campaign. Richmond lost six seniors from a year ago, with many positions looking for new starters this fall.
Most important, however, has been the team’s ability to be back together under semi-normal circumstances.
“I was really excited to see everyone practicing in one spot,” Larsen said. “Last season was a little depressing being limited to 25 fans and not having the same feeling walking into the gym.
“One of our biggest adjustments has been having all the girls, varsity and junior varsity, in one workout session,” she continued. “It benefits both teams, and we’ve been able to run a normal summer workout session.”
Larsen noted that she was pleased with the “overabundance” of players who tried out, which was around 35, saying it was a “great number coming out of a COVID-shortened season.”
Sophomore Jenna Gardner (right) is one of two players who will work out at setter this year. (Kyle Pillar)
The Lady Raiders went 5-7 in 2020, earning fifth place in the former Sandhills Athletic Conference standings.
Two teams that finished ahead of them, Jack Britt and Lumberton, are now out of the conference, but three new teams in Lee County, Southern Lee and Union Pines replace them. Richmond will also compete against familiar foes Hoke County, Pinecrest and Scotland.
Pinecrest won the SAC last season with an undefeated record, while Union Pines posted a 9-1 record against Tri-County Conference opponents to win the title. Scotland (11-2) was second in the SAC, and Southern Lee (3-7) and Lee County (0-10) rounded out the bottom of the Tri-County standings.
“This new conference has more access to travel ball, which makes it more competitive across the board,” Larsen explained. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen some of these teams, but right now we’re more focused on getting our team ready and understanding bigger concepts.
“I want us to focus on ourselves and our own growth before we worry about the tougher conference.”
Of returning to a fuller schedule, Larsen added that it’s been a daily discussion she’s had with the team. With a younger squad, she’s stressed the importance of “building stamina and momentum.”
Richmond’s non-conference schedule, which wasn’t played last year due to the pandemic, will give the Lady Raiders “a chance to build our program before we step full swing into conference play.”
On the non-conference slate are familiar teams like Purnell Swett and Uwharrie Charter. Larsen said she stepped outside the normal range of teams to add quality programs like Pine Forest, Sun Valley and Gray’s Creek.
Returning to the court this fall will be senior outside/right side hitter Allyiah Swiney, who returns with the most varsity experience. As a junior, Swiney had 18 kills and 16 aces, and was a defensive help with 84 digs.
Entering her final year, Swiney understands the necessity to become a leader for the team.
“I expect myself to step right up being a senior and a returner,” Swiney said. “We have a very young squad this year, so we have to step up big time and I have to step up even more.
“My expectation for the team is to go out and play hard and leave it all on the floor,” she continued. “We have a new conference, and don’t have the same preparation as before, but I’m taking that as a good thing. The more we don’t think and just play, the more games we will win.”
Senior Allyiah Swiney, the team’s “vocal leader” strikes the ball during Tuesday’s practice. (Kyle Pillar)
Other senior returners include Saniah Durham (outside/right side hitter) and Kiersten Gibson (outside/right side hitter), who both saw some playing time as juniors.
The other nine players on this year’s roster are all making the jump from junior varsity, who led last season’s JV Lady Raiders to an 8-4 record. Many of them will be working at new positions, including sophomores Emma Altman and Jenna Gardner, who are splitting time at setter.
Working at the net as middle hitters will be players like juniors Catherine Dennis and Brianna Dodson, along with sophomore Katie Way. The trio will look to replace former All-SAC selections Georgia Grace Anderson and Jakerra Covington.
Also competing for playing time as outside hitters will be junior Quston Leviner and sophomore Christi Jacobs, while junior Joy Styles and sophomore Allie Rodgers will serve as the Lady Raiders’ defensive specialists.
“We are a young team and the biggest thing we’re working on is filling in the gaps,” Larsen said. “Each day we show up with a plan on what we need to work on, and we’re trying to prepare these girls for new positions and making the switch from JV to varsity.
“It’s a developmental season, but there are a plethora of girls we have trying to mix around to find a starting lineup,” she continued. “We’re breaking down our offense and defense at every practice, and we should benefit from our non-conference games.”
Dennis, who is coming off a summer of playing travel volleyball, knows her role in the middle will be vital on offense and defense.
“I definitely hope to become a more aggressive player and obtain more of a leadership role off the court,” Dennis said. “What I think will make the offense more successful is if we really play as a team and help each other out, and be aggressive and ready to play each time.
“I think our team has a really strong group of servers and players who really want the ball and want to show what they can do,” she added. “I also think our team is strong in the aspect of always working hard and working together.”
The Lady Raiders will have a closed intrasquad scrimmage Thursday, before heading to Lee County High School on Saturday for four more scrimmages.
Larsen anticipates using the pre-season matches to work out a variety of lineups, as well as get her players used to the speed of the game and get experience working together on the floor.
Junior Joy Styles, one of Richmond’s two defensive specialists, digs a ball at practice. (Kyle Pillar)
In terms of leaders on the court, Larsen said Durham has “been the biggest blessing,” willing to help work with the younger players to make them better. She called Swiney the team’s “vocal leader” and has been impressed with Gibson and Styles also taking charge.
“Our goal every season is to win conference, and I would love to see that added to our banner,” Larsen said. “I loved that feeling of winning back-to-back titles (in 2016 and 2017) and I want the girls to experience that.
“There has been a ton of work from girls improving their mindsets,” she closed. “We have the potential to get where we need to, and we believe we can get back to the top of the conference.”
Richmond will open its season on Monday, Aug. 16, at non-conference Uwharrie Charter Academy at 6 p.m. Players will wear masks during indoor sporting events this year.
The Richmond Observer will continue its coverage of the Richmond varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams this fall.
Below is the complete 2021 schedule for the Richmond volleyball team. Home matches are bold and conference games are denoted with an asterisk. Varsity matches will start at approximately 6 p.m., following junior varsity.
Monday, Aug. 16 @ Uwharrie Charter, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 17 vs. Purnell Swett, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 18 @ Pine Forest, 6 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 23 @ Purnell Swett, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 25 vs. Uwharrie Charter, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 31 vs. Southern Lee, 6 p.m. *
Thursday, Sept. 2 vs. Pinecrest, 6 p.m. *
Tuesday, Sept. 7 @ Hoke County, 6 p.m. *
Thursday, Sept. 9 @ Union Pines, 6 p.m. *
Monday, Sept. 13 @ Sun Valley, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 14 vs. Lee County, 6 p.m. *
Wednesday, Sept. 15 vs. Pine Forest, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 21 @ Scotland, 6 p.m. *
Wednesday, Sept. 22 vs. Gray’s Creek, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 23 @ Southern Lee, 6 p.m. *
Tuesday, Sept. 28 @ Pinecrest, 6 p.m. *
Thursday, Sept. 30 vs. Hoke County, 6 p.m. *
Tuesday, Oct. 5 vs. Union Pines, 6 p.m. *
Thursday, Oct. 7 @ Lee County, 6 p.m. *
Thursday, Oct. 14 vs. Scotland, 6 p.m. *
