The Richmond Senior volleyball team started and finished strong in Tuesday night’s 2010 season opener, winning the first and final games of their nonconference match against Anson.

But the Lady Raiders lost some of their intensity in the middle of the match.

Still, they were able to rebound and down the Lady Bearcats, 25-8, 19-25, 25-22, 15-25, 15-12 to get the 2010 season off on a good note.

The Lady Raiders gave first-year coach Michelle Denson a victory in her first varsity match.

Denson was pleased with her girls’ effort and determination in the way they rallied to win the match.

But she said her team needs to try to keep up its intensity for the entire match, and not take games off.

“I think we got a little overconfident after that first game,” Denson said.

“But we were able to refocus at the end, and I think our conditioning paid off in the fifth game.”

Hitter I’Teionna McLaughlin played a key role in the final game, with thee emphatic kills and consistent serving.

The Lady Raiders also good good play Tuesday night from Alex Gardner, Demi Watkins and Allyson Wood.

The entire Lady Raiders roster — 12 girls — saw action in Tuesday night’s contest.

Richmond returns to action next Tuesday night when the Lady Raiders will travel to Anson to complete the home-and-home series to start the season.

The J.V. match will start at 5 p.m., with the varsity to follow.

Contact sports editor David Vantress at 997-3111, ext. 14 or via email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.