North Lenoir Rallies Past First Flight in Five-Set Thriller to Advance to Third Round
North Lenoir Rallies Past First Flight in Five-Set Thriller to Advance to Third Round
La Grange, N.C. — For the first time since August, North Lenoir was pushed to the edge. Down two sets and their 17-match win streak in jeopardy, the Hawks refused to let their story end at home. Behind relentless defense, steady leadership, and clutch plays at the net, No. 5 seed North Lenoir stormed back to defeat No. 12 First Flight 3-2 (24-26, 12-25, 25-20, 25-22, 15-12) in Tuesday’s second round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs.
Coming into the match, the Hawks (20-1) had not dropped a set since August 20 against Pamlico County — a remarkable 48-set run — but First Flight (16-11) proved to be far better than their seeding suggested. The Nighthawks’ power at the net and strong back-row defense put North Lenoir on its heels early, stunning the home crowd and forcing the Hawks to regroup after the second set.
“I told them to relax and go out there and have fun, and they did,” said North Lenoir head coach Heather Carson. “They battled, and I am so proud of them.”
From that point on, the Hawks dug deep and responded like a team on a mission. Senior setter Sky Doyle distributed the ball with precision, finishing with 29 assists and 10 digs, while Lakyn Whitley powered the offense with 18 kills and 12 digs. Camryn Jenkins added 7 kills, 12 digs, and 11 service points, while middles Fawn Creech and Kennedi Starkie each tallied 6 blocks to help turn the tide at the net.
“They just don’t give up — they kept fighting,” Carson said. “They were all over the floor. It was offense and defense. I tell my middles and front row to be a wall, and they may not have blocked everything, but they got tips, and my defense was everywhere.”
After clawing back to win the third and fourth sets, North Lenoir built early momentum in the decisive fifth and held off a late Nighthawk rally to complete the comeback. The win sends the Hawks to the third round of the state playoffs for the first time since the 2020 COVID-shortened season, when they advanced to the fourth round.
When asked about First Flight’s performance, Carson didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely, they are a very good team,” she said.
With their 17th straight victory, North Lenoir (20-1) now turns its focus to the next challenge — a road matchup at No. 4 seed Randleman (21-4) on Thursday in the 4A third round.
