Spring Sports Brief

WLAX

The Riverside women’s lacrosse team got its first win in two years on March 7 against Enloe.

The Pirates’ upcoming home game is against perennial powerhouse Chapel Hill on April 20, who last year they suffered a 0-23 loss against. 

“Don’t come to [the Chapel Hill] game because we will just be running around in circles the whole time,” said senior Louisa Jenniches. 

The second home game is against Carrboro on April 24. The Pirates lost to the Jaguars last year, but it was one of their closer games. 

“We have more of a chance [against Carrboro],” said Jenniches. “We might actually score for one.”

Senior Hannah Valente laughs after a heated defense drill against a men’s lacrosse player. Valente has been a midfielder for the last three years. Photo by Tate Gasch.

WSOC 

The Riverside women’s soccer team is trying to build off of a strong 2023 season where they finished 12-8-3 and fourth in conference.

“Everyone’s super hard-working,” said senior captain Riley O’Conner. “We have a lot more depth than we’ve had in my four years at Riverside.”

The Pirates’ upcoming home games consist of three teams in their conference: East Chapel Hill, Jordan and Northern. Jordan, however, is the most anticipated game among the Pirates. Last year, they lost to Jordan 0-1 and they’ll look for revenge on May 2.

“People should come because of the Durham rivalry,” said O’Connor. “It’s always a competitive and good game.”

Junior Abby Cho warms up for a varsity game against Southern Alamance. Cho is the teams goalie. Photo by Tate Gasch.

TRACK 

“The home meet on April 25 against Northern should be a good game to go to,” says junior  X’Andria Worthy.”[Last year, Northern] was trash.”

Last year, Riverside did well in the relays, and were top at triple and long jump. 

The Pirates hosted Jordan on April 11 and have two more meets in Apex and Cary before regionals on May 11. Junior Elizabeth Healy and senior Rafaela Drake hope to return to the state meet, and several top performers hope to qualify for the first time. 

TENNIS

After finishing the 2023 season 10 and 6, the men’s varsity tennis team has had a rocky start this year. Currently the team is 4 and 6 right now, with wins over Orange, J.F. Webb, Voyager and DSA.

On April 15, they face Jordan for the second time this spring, looking to redeem their 8-1 loss against the Falcons on March 13th.“If you really hate the men’s tennis team, come to our games against Jordan,” said Jaden Jefferson, the senior captain of the team.

MLAX

With a new coach, the men’s lacrosse team is looking solid this year. The Pirate’s are currently 6-4, and their conference record is 1-0. 

Senior Trevin Johnson, who plays midfield and attack, suggests that RHS students attend their final game on April 26. 

“Northern, which is our senior night, is our last game at home,” said Johnson. The last time the Pirates faced Northern on March 7 they won 3 to 2.

Most of their roster last year was seniors, and losing them took a toll on the team, but they’re recovering.

 “A lot of the defense were seniors last year, but we got a lot of new defenders this year, they switched over from offense to defense,” said Johnson. 

Riverside men’s lacrosse goalie Ziyad Jenkins poses for a picture before home game against Voyager Academy. Riverside won 12-6 in the first round of the Kirkley Cup. Photo by Isabelle Abadie.

BASEBALL

Currently, Riverside baseball is second in the conference. It’s a significantly strong start than last year, when the Pirates finished sixth.

Riverside beat Northern once and lost once last season,  making the home game on May 3 one to look out for. 

“It’s a significant game because they are our main rivals,” said senior captain Kevin Shine.

Many Riverside players grew up playing with and against Northern’s players on little league and travel teams, which adds to the rivalry. 

But Shine likes their chances.

“We’re a good team,” he said.

Freshman Patrick Browning warms up on the pitcher’s mound. This is his ninth year playing baseball. Photo by Tate Gasch.

SOFTBALL

  With seven wins already under their belts, and currently second in conference, the team has had a strong start to the season. With several upcoming games that look extremely winnable, things could get even better.

“We are going to win and I want everyone to see us win,” said senior Aniyah Mangum.

The women’s softball team ended the 22-23 season with a 13-8 win-loss record and fourth in conference.

After a 25-3 win over Southern Durham last season, Mangum suggests people come to that home game on April 22. 

“Every time we play Southern, it’s always intense,” she said.

GOLF 

With a new coach and players aspiring for regionals, the Riverside golf team is off to a strong start.

“Anyone wanting to watch a match should show up to the home game at Hillandale Golf Course,” said junior captain Kushal Hiremath. “It is one of the few games that the team plays 18 holes instead of 9, and it decides who goes to regionals.” Last year, the Pirates were top 3 in the conference, and qualified for regionals.

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