The Pender Patriots volleyball team (Burgaw, NC), was nudged 2-1 in Tuesday's non-league challenge with the visiting East Columbus Gators (Lake Waccamaw, NC)

The Gators (6-4) will now prepare for their challenge against East Bladen (Elizabethtown, NC). The Eagles enter the non-league battle with a 6-8 record. In their last battle, East Bladen was edged by South Columbus (Tabor City, NC), 2-0, in a non-league battle.

Next, the Patriots encounter the South Columbus Stallions (Tabor City, NC) in a non-league battle, on Thursday, September 28. Pender will attempt to advance on its 10-5 season record. The Stallions come into the battle with a 15-0 record after their 2-0 non-league win over East Bladen (Elizabethtown, NC).