ROCKINGHAM — Altman Griffin’s hot start as the team’s opening server helped the Richmond volleyball team grab another non-conference victory over Lee County on Wednesday.

The Lady Raiders (7-0, 2-0 SAC) jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and then used that momentum to win by 17 points in the first set, where Griffin recorded six of her game-high seven aces and added four kills.

“It’s always good to start with your first servers winning as many points as they can. That kind of sets the tone for the rest of the game,” coach Shellie Wimpey said.

Richmond was able to maintain control throughout the rest of the match and eventually win in three sets (25-8, 25-21, 25-19), making it the second time the team has defeated Lee County this season. It needed four sets to take down the Lady Yellow Jackets last week in Sanford.

“The girls came out with a lot of intensity. Playing them a second time, and at home, the girls were ready to play,” Wimpey added. “We’re gelling even more now.”

Griffin, a senior middle hitter, started — and ended — the first set with an ace. In between those aces, junior Owen Bowers, sophomore Savannah Chappell and junior Savannah Lampley had a kill each to help Richmond dominate early. It would close the first set by scoring nine consecutive points.

The next two sets didn’t go as smooth.

Lee County (3-3) tied things up seven times in the second set, but was never able to take the lead. At one point, junior setter Ashton Hancox gave the visiting team some energy after recording an ace to make it even at 10-10. She would follow that up, however, with a serving error that gave the ball back to the Lady Raiders.

The Lady Yellow Jackets kept their hopes alive early in the final set, as they took two brief leads in the early goings. Richmond, however, regained control of the match, went ahead by as much as six points — after a block from senior Bri Baysek — and finished the match before having to play another set.

To go along with her seven aces, Griffin recorded 11 kills and seven digs. Baysek was second on the team with seven kills, Lampley finished with five kills and Bowers had two. Mackenzie Webb picked up 26 assists, 10 digs and a block.

Sophomores Jadyn Johnson, Layne Maultsby and Alexis Swiney combined for 16 digs.

“I was a little nervous about this being such a big week with three games back-to-back-to-back. Last year we lost the game to Lee County in between Soctland and Pinecrest. But this year they’re coming out with fire,” Wimpey said. “I think that has to do with having a lot of seniors on the team. They’re ready for every game.”

Richmond caps off another busy week with a big matchup at Jack Britt on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Reach sports editor Leon Hargrove Jr. at 910-817-2673 and follow the sports section on Twitter @RCDailySports.

Leon Hargrove Jr. | Daily Journal
Richmond’s Altman Griffin (13) prepares for a serve during the first set of Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Lee County. Griffin would finish with seven aces, seven digs and 11 kills.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_griffin2web.jpgLeon Hargrove Jr. | Daily Journal
Richmond’s Altman Griffin (13) prepares for a serve during the first set of Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Lee County. Griffin would finish with seven aces, seven digs and 11 kills.
Reigning conference POY records 6 aces in 1st set

By Leon Hargrove Jr.

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