Panthers qualify for playoffs

The Richards High School varsity girls volleyball team has qualified for the playoffs.

Heading into Oct. 19 play, head coach Bobby Conner said the squad had a 13-12 record and was playoff-bound.

“They’re playing OK,” he said. “We’ve had some injuries.”

The injuries, which include sore knees, are untimely because Richards is in the district phase of its schedule.

The costly injury has been the broken arm Kylie Bates suffered during a match. The junior setter is out for the rest of the season.

“We’re doing pretty good hitting,” the coach said, noting the girls average 15 kills a match.

Alayna Francis led the team with 13 kills during a win over district foe Snook and led with nine kills in a loss to district opponent Round Top Carmine.

CROSS COUNTRY: Athletic Director Travis Tennison said the boys and girls teams will not compete this fall. He cited scheduling conflicts.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Varsity boys basketball coach Tennison said the squad starts practices today. The team’s schedule shows a Nov. 9 home scrimmage with a Nov. 12 opener at home against Oakwood.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: The girls, who are coached by Will Autery, begin their schedule with a Nov. 6 away game against Cornerstone.