ROCKINGHAM — Boasting a larger roster this season, the Richmond Senior High School girls’ golf team officially opens its season Monday.
Returning for his seventh season, head coach Keith Parsons and the program will have more options on the scoresheet this fall during their Sandhills Athletic Conference schedule.
Returning two multi-year golfers, two of the three members of last year’s team, the Lady Raiders have added three new golfers this fall.
While the program’s numbers are still small, the combination of senior leadership and new talent give the team hope to have a successful season.
Returning for her fourth season, senior Ella Munn will be back as Richmond’s leading golfer. She will be accompanied by fellow senior Jacey McRae, who returns for her third varsity campaign.
The Lady Raiders’ trio of new golfers include senior Tess Bryant and freshmen Bayden Bendell and Talley Webb.
“So great to have five players this season, including two ninth graders who have time to improve and to grow with the program,” Parsons said.
As expected, Richmond will lean on the veteran leadership of Munn and McRae. Parsons added that the team’s newest members have also shown promise.
“Ella and Jacey already have shown leadership in the buildup to the season,” Parsons explained. “They have done all this before and know what to expect from practice and from the season. And obviously their skills have improved, which is great for the newcomers to see.
“Tess, Talley and Bayden all bring talent to the team, which is nice. All have played golf and show amazing potential.”
The Lady Raiders have been working up to the new season since mid-August, while also playing practice rounds ahead of Monday’s first match.
Richmond will compete in an SAC-only schedule again this fall. All of the Lady Raiders will have a chance to play each match, while the top four golfers will combine their scores to place the team.
“As always, we want to improve from week-to-week,” Parsons shared. “If we can get a little better each match — individually and collectively — that will leave us with a successful season.
“I know Ella has a goal of qualifying for the regional as a four-year starter; she’s been close the past couple of years and should have a great chance to make it this year.”
Any member of the Lady Raiders’ roster this season will try to become the first Richmond girls’ golfer to qualify for the NCHSAA 4A Mideast regionals since former golfer Hailey Miller did it in 2019.
Munn, who has knocked on the door of qualifying for regionals each of the past three years, noted she’s embracing a stronger leadership role during her senior season. She also wants to break through and compete in regionals.
“I hope to set an example by showing good sportsmanship,” Munn said. “I want to be a role model for some of the younger girls on the golf course and off the golf course.
“Some of my personal goals are to become more patient with my game and to focus on my putting. I’ve been putting in a lot of work during the off season and I hope to make regionals in my last year.”
The Lady Raiders will begin their season on Monday, Sept. 9, at Scotch Meadows Country Club in Laurinburg for a nine-hole match against other SAC programs.
RSHS Girls’ Golf Schedule
The Richmond Observer will continue its award-winning coverage of the girls’ golf team this fall.
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