ROCKINGHAM — Even though it was Senior Night at Raider Stadium, a sophomore stepped forward and helped Richmond Senior break its three-game losing streak.
Cherie Ellerbe scored in the 33rd-minute of the second half to lift Richmond to a 1-all tie with Scotland Wednesday night. The Raiders finish the regular season with a 7-11-2 overall record and a 3-5-2 mark in the Southeastern Conference. The Fighting Scots also end with a 7-11-2 overall record, but are 5-4-1 in league play.
“Before the game, I gave a speech to the girls and I told them ‘Time to step up,’” Richmond goalkeeper senior Brittany Roberts said. “They did just that.”
Richmond will open the SEC tournament at home Monday against Hoke County. The winner will face regular season champion Pinecrest in Southern Pines on Tuesday. Scotland will host Purnell Swett Monday. The victor will take on Lumberton Tuesday.
“We wanted a little momentum going into the conference tournament,” Richmond coach Bennie Howard said. “I hate a tie, it’s like kissing your sister.”
Scotland took the lead in the opening 40 minutes on a goal by Marina Tobias at the midway point. Tobias broke through the Richmond defense and launched a shot into the far post.
In the closing moments of the first half, Ellerbe had a chance to tie the game, but her shot was turned away by Scotland goalkeeper Kira Gregory. The Raiders would remain scoreless until Ellerbe’s tying tally.
Neither team was able to net the game-winning goal during the two overtime periods.
“I thought both teams played well,” Howard said. “In the first 10-minute overtime, I thought we took it to them. In the second 10, they took it to us.”
In the junior varsity contest, the Raiders closed out their season with a 3-2 win over the Fighting Scots. Nile Fisher scored two goals, while Laurel Packer recorded an assist. The game-deciding goal was scored on an own goal.
Auman brothers claim SEC title
PINEHURST — Alex Auman and Colt Auman teamed to capture the Southeastern Conference doubles championship with a straight set victory Wednesday afternoon.
The Auman brothers, who earned the No. 1 seed, knocked off Lumberton’s Connor Haskins and Michael Bailey, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 in the title game. Haskins and Bailey were the second seeded doubles pairing.
Both teams will advance to next week’s regional tournament at Mazarick Park in Fayetteville.
Earlier in the day, the Aumans breezed past Lumberton’s Isaac Bell and Tyler Franklin 6-1, 6-0.
Last year, Alex Auman captured the SEC singles title.
“Alex is the first player I have coached that has won both,” Richmond coach Paula York said. “Alex has had a great high school career. He has worked so hard and he’s reaping the benefits.”
— Sports editor Shawn Stinson can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 14, or by email at sstinson@heartlandpublications.com
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