WADESBORO — The Richmond volleyball team needed four sets to knock off Anson when it hosted the Lady Bearcast back in August, but it wasn’t so generous on the road Wednesday evening.

For the fourth straight time, and the 10th time this season, the Lady Raiders dominated the court by winning in three sets (25-20, 25-13, 25-17) in order to remain undefeated on the season. Senior Altman Griffin led the way with 16 digs, 14 kills and seven aces.

Midway through the first set, both Richmond and Anson were having difficulty stringing points together — keeping the teams within two points of one another. The Lady Raiders were finally able to get a run going following a late dig from sophomore Layne Maultsby and a set from senior Mackenzie Webb which perfectly set up Griffin for a kill to extend their lead to two points.

Griffin wouldn’t stop there, recording an ace on her first of three serves to finish out the set. After Griffin’s next serve, Webb recorded another huge assist — this time setting up senior Owen Bowers for a kill and giving Richmond a 24-20 advantage. Anson’s attempt to return the next serve went into the net and gave Richmond the win in the first set.

Both teams once again found themselves trading points in the second set, but Richmond would eventually gain control much earlier. Following a hitting error by the Bearcats, it took an 8-7 lead and found the right combination of players to stymie the Lady Bearcats.

The Lady Raiders scored eight straight points with sophomore Alexis Swiney serving and Griffin teaming up with senior Brianna Baysek to dominate the net both offensively and defensively. Anson took a much-needed timeout after it found itself down 16-7, and then got a kill from Ashley Huntely, but that didn’t stop the Lady Raiders from winning the set by 14 points.

Richmond (14-0, 7-0 SAC) would continue its dominance in the third set and head coach Shellie Wimpey emptied the bench, giving everyone some valuable playing time.

Webb finished with 26 assists, Maultsby added 12 digs, Bowers chipped in nine kills, Swiney finished with six digs and junior Savannah Lampley matched Griffin’s 16 digs in the win. Baysek, Swiney and Webb each recorded a block.

The Lady Raiders are set to play at Purnell Swett on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Contributed by Deon Cranford III
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_DSC_0455-1.jpgContributed by Deon Cranford III

By Deon Cranford III

For the Daily Journal