LUMBERTON — Both sophomore Aieral Brown and senior Brandon Silva led the Richmond girls and boys cross country teams, respectively, to victory in their season-opening meets Tuesday afternoon.

Brown crossed the finish line at the 23:57 mark — which was good enough for first place — and helped the Lady Raiders score 25 points and earn their first win. Silva’s time of 19:20 topped the boys’ race and paced a 39-point effort.

Richmond ran against conference foes Purnell Swett, host of the meet, Scotland and Seventy-First at Luther Britt Park. Purnell Swett came in second place in the boys’ competition and Scotland finished as runner-up in the girls’ race.

“The kids gave it everything they had and they didn’t quit…my hat’s off to them,” coach Reggie Miller said. “This is just the first meet, so we’re still looking to improve. We want to improve every day and every meet.”

The boys squad conquered the first three spots, as senior Melvin Socana (19:40) and junior Zachariah Hamilton (19:45) came in not too long after Silva wrapped up his day.

On the girls side, the Lady Raiders had two other runners finish in the top 10. Senior Shelby Matheson (25:40) came in fourth place while freshman Gracelyn Weatherford (27:15) placed sixth.

Richmond will be back at Luther Britt Park next Tuesday, Sept. 12, for another conference meet with Lumberton, Pinecrest and Seventy-First.

“When you work hard, and honestly work hard, you will always see good results,” Miller added.

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

https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_xc.jpg

By Leon Hargrove Jr.

[email protected]