NCHSAA 4A Playoff Preview: #5 North Lenoir Hosts #12 First Flight in Second Round Showdown
NCHSAA 4A Playoff Preview: North Lenoir Hosts First Flight in Second Round Showdown
On October 21, 2025, the #5 seed North Lenoir Hawks (La Grange, NC), boasting an impressive 19-1 record, will host the #12 seed First Flight Nighthawks (Kill Devil Hills, NC) in the second round of the NCHSAA 4A volleyball playoffs at 6:00 PM. Coming off a first-round bye, the Hawks are rested and ready to defend their home court against a First Flight team that battled past T.W. Andrews 3-0 in the opening round. As these two teams meet for the first time, North Lenoir, with their near-perfect season, faces a Nighthawk squad that has shown resilience and offensive firepower in a 16-10 season (9-1 in the Northeastern Coastal 3A/4A/5A Conference). Here’s a breakdown of First Flight as the Hawks prepare for this crucial playoff matchup.
First Flight’s Season Overview
The Nighthawks, coached by Anna Zappulla, have compiled a 16-10 overall record and a dominant 9-1 mark in the Northeastern Coastal 3A/4A/5A Conference, tying for first with Currituck County. Their season has been a tale of two halves: a challenging non-conference slate saw them start 4-8, with losses to strong opponents like Perquimans (3-0 twice), Holmes (3-0 twice), Camden County (3-1 and 3-0), Manteo (3-1 twice), and Indian River (2-0). However, First Flight turned things around in conference play, riding an eight-match win streak into the playoffs, capped by their 3-0 first-round victory over T.W. Andrews. Their 8-4 home record, 5-6 away record, and 3-0 neutral-site performance show versatility, but the Hawks, with their 19-1 dominance, will look to exploit First Flight’s 5-6 road struggles in La Grange.
Ranked 18th in their DMA, 160th in North Carolina, and 21st in the 4A division, the Nighthawks have proven they can compete with top teams, as evidenced by their 3-2 wins over Currituck County and a 2-1 victory over Catholic (Virginia Beach, VA). Their playoff experience and recent momentum make them a dangerous underdog against the battle-tested North Lenoir squad.
Key Players to Watch
First Flight’s offense is a balanced attack, averaging 9.9 kills per set across 81 sets played, with a .112 hitting percentage on 2606 attack attempts. Their serving game is potent, with 273 aces (3.4 per set) and an 86.9% serving percentage. Defensively, they average 13.5 digs per set and 1.2 blocks per set, showcasing a scrappy back row and solid net presence. Below are the standout performers North Lenoir must prepare for:
Parker Fowler (So., MH/MB/OPP, 6’1”): The sophomore middle is a force, leading the team with 136 kills (1.7 per set, .292 hitting percentage) and 52 total blocks (17 solo, 35 assisted). Her height and blocking prowess (0.7 blocks per set) will challenge North Lenoir’s hitters at the net.
Ashlyn Hux (So., OH, 5’9”): A dynamic outside hitter, Hux leads with 185 kills (2.8 per set, .126 hitting percentage) and adds 161 digs (2.4 per set) and 33 aces. Her all-around play makes her a focal point of the Nighthawks’ attack and defense.
Joslyn Felts (Jr., OPP/OH, 5’11”): Felts contributes 121 kills (1.7 per set, .136 hitting percentage) and 44 digs, providing versatility on the right side and a reliable secondary scoring option.
Megan Ward (Sr., MH/MB/OPP, 5’9”): Ward adds 88 kills (1.1 per set) and 31 blocks (0.4 per set), bolstering First Flight’s front row.
Savannah Schnader (Sr., S/DS, 5’4”): The primary setter, Schnader dishes out 443 assists (5.8 per set) and leads with 159 digs (2.1 per set) and 44 aces. Her ability to run the offense while contributing defensively makes her a critical piece.
Poe Thibodeau (Sr., S, 5’6”): The secondary setter, Thibodeau adds 161 assists (3.0 per set) and 126 digs (2.3 per set), ensuring smooth ball distribution and back-row stability.
Ella Morris (Jr., DS/L, 5’4”): The libero leads with 227 digs (2.8 per set) and 32 aces, anchoring First Flight’s serve receive (418 receptions, 5.2 per set) and passing game.
McKenzie Dexter (So., OPP/OH, 5’10”): Dexter’s 94 kills (1.8 per set) and 34 digs add depth to the Nighthawks’ attack.
The Nighthawks’ 715 assists (8.8 per set) and 1430 serve receptions (17.7 per set) reflect a disciplined passing game, but their 169 reception errors (2.1 per set) could be a vulnerability if North Lenoir’s servers apply pressure.
Strengths and Challenges
First Flight’s strengths lie in their balanced offense, led by Fowler and Hux, and their scrappy defense, with Morris and Schnader excelling in the back row. Their recent 3-0 sweeps in conference play and the playoff opener show a team peaking at the right time. Their ability to win close matches (e.g., 3-2 over Currituck County) highlights their resilience, which could test North Lenoir’s composure, even with the Hawks’ dominant 19-1 record.
However, First Flight’s early-season struggles against stronger non-conference foes suggest they can be overwhelmed by physical, well-rounded teams. Their 5-6 away record indicates potential inconsistency on the road, and their .112 hitting percentage, while solid, may struggle against North Lenoir’s defense, which likely contributed to their near-flawless season. The Hawks should target Schnader and Thibodeau with aggressive serves to disrupt First Flight’s setting rhythm and force errors in their 2421 ball-handling attempts (48 errors).
Historical Context
Under Coach Zappulla, First Flight has shown steady improvement. In 2024-25, they posted a 13-12 record (8-6 in conference), and in 2023-24, they went 16-11 (11-3). Their 2022-23 season (18-8, 11-3) was their strongest recent performance, indicating a program on the rise. However, their historical success in lower divisions (mostly 2A/3A) contrasts with this year’s 4A competition, where they face tougher opponents like North Lenoir. The Hawks, with their 19-1 record and a first-round bye, have had time to scout First Flight’s tendencies and prepare for their versatile attack.
Game Outlook
North Lenoir, with a stellar 19-1 season and playing at home, holds a significant edge as the higher seed with a week of rest to refine their game plan. To counter First Flight, the Hawks should focus on:
Aggressive Serving: Target Morris and Schnader to disrupt First Flight’s serve receive, which has 169 errors this season.
Net Dominance: Neutralize Fowler’s blocking (52 total blocks) with quick, varied attacks to exploit gaps in First Flight’s 1.2 blocks per set.
Containing Hux: Limit Hux’s 185 kills by forcing her into low-percentage shots and challenging her defensively with powerful serves.
First Flight will rely on their balanced attack and defensive tenacity to keep the match competitive, but North Lenoir’s home-court advantage, playoff experience, and near-perfect 19-1 record make them a formidable opponent. The Hawks must stay disciplined to avoid letting the Nighthawks’ eight-match win streak carry them to an upset.
This second-round clash promises to be a battle of momentum versus preparation, with North Lenoir looking to leverage their dominant season to advance and First Flight aiming to continue their upset run.
