Sports

GOLDSBORO — The starting line was quiet for only a moment.

CALYPSO — Rivalry matchups always bring an extra level of intensity, but the North Duplin Lady Rebels made sure there was little doubt about who controlled the court earlier this month.

DUDLEY — The Southern Wayne Saints earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Southern Nash Firebirds, relying on aggressive defense and an outstanding performance from their goalkeeper Javier Lujano to secure the shutout.

DUDLEY — The Southern Wayne Saints entered the season with plenty of momentum, opening the year 3-1, their best start in 15 years. On Friday night, the Saints battled through rain, thunder and a hard-fought contest against the Southern Nash Firebirds, but ultimately came up just short, falling 21-14.

The North Duplin Lady Rebels battled through a back-and-forth opening set Tuesday, rallying late to defeat the East Columbus Lady Gators, 25-23, before carrying that momentum through the next two sets for a three-set sweep.

DUDLEY — The Southern Wayne Saints made a statement in their county rivalry matchup against the Goldsboro Cougars, dominating on both sides of the football en route to a commanding 50-6 victory.

CALYPSO — North Duplin built an early two-score advantage and then survived a furious fourth-quarter rally Friday night, holding off Rosewood, 13-12, in a tightly contested battle.

SEVEN SPRINGS — The James Kenan Lady Tigers opened their matchup against the Spring Creek Lady Gators with a strong start, using early serving and timely plays to establish momentum in the opening set.

GOLDSBORO — The North Duplin Rebels opened their 2026 season on the road against the Rosewood Eagles, bringing plenty of energy and determination into their first matchup of the year. Despite ultimately falling 5-2, the Rebels showed flashes of strong play and continued to battle until the final whistle.