2026 NCHSAA Volleyball Second-Round Preview: Four Area Teams Look to Advance

North Lenoir and South Lenoir face road tests, while Goldsboro and C.B. Aycock open postseason play at home. Bethel Christian continues its NCCSA championship pursuit Thursday.

Four area public-school volleyball teams remain in the NCHSAA state playoffs as second-round action begins Tuesday, Oct. 20.

North Lenoir and South Lenoir advanced with first-round victories, while Goldsboro and C.B. Aycock earned opening-round byes. All four are competing for spots in Thursday’s third round.

Greene Central, Jones Senior and Rosewood saw their seasons end Saturday.

Here’s a look at the matchups.

4A East: No. 11 North Lenoir (17-5) at No. 6 West Stanly (20-6)

Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Oakboro

North Lenoir enters the second round after one of the area’s most dramatic opening-round victories.

The Hawks rallied from a 2-1 deficit Saturday to defeat West Stokes in five sets, 25-21, 19-25, 11-25, 25-16 and 15-11.

Camryn Jenkins finished with 13 kills and 10 digs, while Kenzie Carson added 11 kills and 11 digs. Kennedi Starkie contributed 10 kills and eight blocks, and Maddie Howard distributed 36 assists.

The victory extended North Lenoir’s streak to five consecutive seasons with at least one playoff victory.

West Stanly presents a difficult second-round challenge. The Colts earned a first-round bye after compiling a 20-6 record and going undefeated in conference play.

The Colts defeated Parkwood 3-0 in their latest match. Melaina Yow registered 13 kills, while Layla Little supplied 25 assists.

North Lenoir has won three consecutive matches, but Tuesday’s contest will test whether the Hawks can maintain their offensive production against a team that has consistently controlled matches throughout the season.

3A East: No. 9 South Lenoir (11-10) at No. 8 Farmville Central (12-6)

Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | Farmville

These teams know each other well.

South Lenoir and Farmville Central split two five-set matches during the regular season. Tuesday’s third meeting will determine which team advances to the regional quarterfinals.

South Lenoir defeated Northwood 3-0 in its opening playoff match, improving to 11-10 after beginning the season 0-4.

The Blue Devils feature three returning all-region selections in senior Reese Cash and sophomores Olivia Conner and Eliza Hawkins.

Cash recently surpassed 1,000 career kills, providing South Lenoir with an experienced outside hitter capable of producing in critical situations.

Farmville Central enters the playoffs after a three-set loss to Ayden-Grifton. Kendall Kingrey recorded 16 kills and 10 digs in that match and remains one of the Jaguars’ primary offensive threats.

Both regular-season meetings required deciding fifth sets. With the teams separated by just one seed, another competitive match could be ahead.

3A East: No. 10 Martin County (12-8) at No. 7 Goldsboro (15-8)

Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Goldsboro

Goldsboro will make its postseason debut after earning a first-round bye.

The Cougars have been one of the area’s most improved teams, going from six victories in 2025 to 15 this season.

Junior Brylie Reaves leads the Cougars’ reported offensive production with 208 kills, while junior setter Sophia Hayes had recorded 457 assists and 59 service aces in the available statistical snapshot.

Sophomore Evelyn Watson provides a presence at the net with 37 reported blocks.

Martin County advanced with a 3-1 first-round victory over James Kenan, extending its winning streak to three matches.

The Gators bring an experienced roster featuring six seniors. Jahmya Council entered the playoffs with 57 reported blocks, while Serenity Ellis had recorded 49 aces.

For Goldsboro, limiting Martin County’s front-row production and controlling the serve-receive game will be important in securing a trip to the third round.

5A East: No. 10 Eastern Alamance (17-6) at No. 7 C.B. Aycock (15-8)

Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Pikeville

C.B. Aycock begins its postseason after earning the seventh seed and a first-round bye.

The Golden Falcons won seven of their final nine regular-season matches, with both losses coming in five-set contests against Fike.

Senior Camiya Frederick leads Aycock’s reported attack with 210 kills, averaging 3.6 per set. Setter Ayuli Stanton recorded 403 assists, while Kaidynce Bailey had 50 service aces and 21 blocks.

Eastern Alamance advanced with a 3-0 victory over J.F. Webb, winning 25-14, 25-19 and 25-10.

Senior Bayleigh Burris leads the Eagles’ reported offensive production at 3.1 kills per set, while Grace Perry had 460 assists in the available statistical snapshot.

Eastern Alamance brings the better overall record, but Aycock has the home-court advantage and an opportunity to return to the third round after being eliminated in the second round last season.

NCCSA 1A: New Manna Christian (8-9) at Bethel Christian Academy (14-3)

Thursday, Oct. 22 | 6 p.m. | Kinston

Bethel Christian Academy‘s postseason continues Thursday when the Trojans host New Manna Christian in the NCCSA 1A state quarterfinals.

The Trojans swept Woodland Baptist Christian 25-12, 25-19 and 25-8 in their opening playoff match.

Bethel completed an undefeated district campaign and now owns 14 victories, matching its 2015 win total.

Senior Suzanne Rouse served the final five points of the first-round victory. Emma Ingram, Madison Jackson and Mikayla Cash also made contributions around the net.

Bethel last reached the second round in 2024. A victory Thursday would move the Trojans into Friday’s state semifinals.

Other Area Volleyball Playoff Action

Two Wayne County private-school programs also open NCISAA postseason play Tuesday.

Wayne Christian faces Cary Christian in the NCISAA 3A first round at 5:30 p.m., while Wayne Country Day meets The Oakwood School in the NCISAA 1A opening round, with the starting time awaiting confirmation.

What’s Next?

NCHSAA second-round winners advance to the third round Thursday, Oct. 22. The fourth round follows Saturday, Oct. 24, with regional championships scheduled for Oct. 27.

The NCHSAA state championships are scheduled for Oct. 30-31.

Follow Neuse News Sports for volleyball playoff scores, results and continued coverage across Wayne, Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.