GOLDSBORO — In just its first season as a varsity program, the Sallie B. Howard School varsity boys soccer team can lay claim to a conference tournament championship.

The Eagles emerged with the Carolina Athletic Association for Schools of Choice Triangle Athletic Conference tournament title Thursday afternoon with a 2-1 victory at Wayne Prep.

Angel Acheverria put SBH on the board in the 20th minute and Muhammed Gaye provided the second tally in the 60th. 

Zymir Opara came away with Most Valuable Player honors.

The Eagles await an opponent in the CAASC state tournament.

Aguilera’s pair not enough for shorthanded Bruins on Senior Night

Presenting with just 10 players due to injuries and off-field predicaments, the Beddingfield High varsity boys soccer team remained without a win against a 2-A Neuse 6 Conference-only schedule Thursday night in a 8-2 loss to Eastern Wayne.

Miguel Aguiera had both goals for the Bruins, playing in their seventh game of the year after early numbers troubles wiped out the nonconference slate. Leo Mendoza, Beddingfield’s lone senior, had both assists as freshman Ivan Gomez grabbed 12 saves in goal.

“All I could do was tell them how well they played,” Beddingfield head coach Ed Hunter said. “The ones that are showing up to play are giving everything they’ve got.”

Hunter commended the Bruins for fighting through a difficult match without incurring a yellow card. Beddingfield’s thin numbers took another blow Tuesday night in a loss at home to North Johnston, with the Bruins losing two more players to injury through seven games.

Eastern Wayne snapped a 13-match winless streak to open its season, elevating to 1-12-1 and 1-6 within the Neuse 6.

VOLLEYBALL

Ladybirds conclude regular season with Franklinton loss

STANHOPE — A win in regular-season play remained elusive for the Southern Nash High varsity volleyball team Thursday with a 25-19, 25-12, 25-20 loss to Franklinton.

Tabatha Tomaszewski had three kills, three aces and a pair of blocks for the Ladybirds, who dropped to 0-18 and 0-14 within the 2-A/3-A The Big East Conference. Taylor Keen added two blocks, with Addison Brumfield leading the defense with an array of digs. Blumfield tacked on two kills with Carlee Beckham adding three.

Franklinton clinched the outright The Big East championship, finishing 11-3 overall and 12-8 against all opponents.

Southern Nash awaits an opponent in next week’s conference tournament.

Lady Eagles stopped in TAC championship

GOLDSBORO — The Sallie B. Howard School varsity volleyball team came up short in its bid for the first Carolina Athletic Association for Schools of Choice Triangle Athletic Conference championship Thursday in a 25-8, 25-15, 23-25, 25-13 loss to host Wayne Prep.

Paced by Makayla Opie, Kaitlynn Redmond and Jer’mia Walker, the Lady Eagles of head coach Vielka Givens will await their assignment in the opening round of the CAASC state tournaments next week.

Further details were unavailable.