Goldsboro Ends Playoff Drought, Advances Past Martin County
GOLDSBORO - Goldsboro is headed to the third round of the NCHSAA volleyball playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The seventh-seeded Cougars defeated No. 10 Martin County 3-1 Tuesday night in the second round of the 3A East bracket, winning 25-16, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22. The victory was Goldsboro’s first in the postseason since 2021 and improved its record to 16-8.
That 16th win also tied the second-highest single-season total in the school’s available MaxPreps records. Goldsboro won 16 matches in both 2018 and 2021, while its 2019 team recorded 19 victories.
“We’ve had a great season. Our girls have all put in 100% work in practice. I think it shows on the court,” Goldsboro coach Lee Avery said. “We’re not afraid to be aggressive when we need to be aggressive and play smart, and it’s just getting better as the season goes along.”
Goldsboro takes control early
Martin County opened each of the first two sets with a 4-0 lead, but Goldsboro responded both times. In the opener, the Cougars recovered to build a 19-11 advantage and finished off a 25-16 win.
The second set featured the night’s biggest run. After falling behind 4-0, Goldsboro answered with eight consecutive points. Martin County rallied to tie the score at 8-8, but Goldsboro ripped off another 12 straight points to lead 20-8 and rolled to a 25-13 victory.
With the Cougars ahead two sets to none, Martin County fought back in the third. The Gators built a 16-10 lead, prompting a Goldsboro timeout. The Cougars rallied to tie the score at 20 and grabbed a 21-20 lead, but Martin County scored the final five points to win 25-21 and extend the match.
A fourth-set finish
Goldsboro again seized the early edge in the fourth set, moving ahead 5-1 and later 16-9. Martin County battled back, tying the score at 18 and trading points with Goldsboro through the final stages.
The Gators took a 22-21 lead, putting the Cougars under pressure. Goldsboro answered with four consecutive points to close out a 25-22 victory and seal its trip to the regional quarterfinals.
A milestone win
Goldsboro’s previous playoff victory came against Fairmont in October 2021. Its last appearance in the third round was in 2018, when the Cougars defeated First Flight and Vance County before falling to Wheatmore.
Goldsboro received a first-round bye this postseason. Martin County (12-9) reached Tuesday’s match by defeating No. 23 James Kenan 3-1 in the opening round.
The Cougars advance to Thursday’s third round, where they will face the winner of No. 2 Wake Preparatory Academy and No. 18 Heide Trask.
Set scores: Goldsboro def. Martin County, 25-16, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22.