Undefeated Pender spoils South Lenoir’s homecoming, 44–12

The South Lenoir Blue Devils (3–5) came out swinging on homecoming night, driving deep into Pender territory on their opening possession. But a pair of costly penalties stalled the drive — and that moment summed up much of the evening as the undefeated Pender Patriots (8–0) pulled away for a 44–12 victory Friday in Deep Run.

Female Athlete of the Week: Diara Gooding, Kinston Volleyball

Kinston High’s Diara Gooding is the Neuse News Female Athlete of the Week after helping the Vikings snap a 43-match losing streak with a 3-0 sweep over Tarboro. The sophomore libero/setter totaled 22 digs, eight assists, and eight aces as Kinston earned its first win since 2022 and first straight-set victory since 2019.