Former Gloucester High School softball players Jayanna Richards (Class of 2022) and Mackenzie Smith (Class of 2020) are gearing up for season openers at their respective schools.

Richards, a sophomore, is in her first season with the Virginia Union University Panthers after spending her freshman year at Richard Bland Community College. Richards will serve in the pitching rotation and will also potentially be called on as a designated hitter.

In her only year playing softball at GHS, Richards had a 17-4 pitching record while hitting .468 with five home runs and 34 RBIs.

Virginia Union’s season opener is scheduled for Saturday. The Panthers will play single games against the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and the University of Mount Olive. The Panthers will also play UVA Wise again on Sunday and Mount Olive on Monday to complete the Panthers’ four-game opening weekend.

Smith, entering her senior year with the Winthrop University Eagles in South Carolina, will handl...