The Vikings made easy work of the Southern Nash Firebirds Wednesday at Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium with a 7-1 victory in the first round of the state 3-A soccer playoffs.

Union Pines' senior forward Ben McMichael had four goals in the match, three of which came in the first half. Va Cha also had a goal in the opening period as Union Pines led 4-1 at halftime.

The Vikes would score three times in the second stanza as McMichael, Clark Stout and Jay O'Connor all had goals in the final half to help the Vikes advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Seniors David and Va Cha each had two assists on the night, while Christian Forest, Allen Cha and Ethan Workmen also tallied assists in the game.

The Vikes will continue the postseason Saturday with another home game against Cape Fear Valley Conference foe the South Johnston Trojans. The Trojans, fifth seed from the CFV, upset Western Alamance 2-1 (5-3) in a Wednesday night first-round match that went to penalty kicks.

Union Pines swept the Trojans in the regular season, beating them at home 2-0 and winning a wild 5-4 overtime match in South Johnston late in the season.

The time of the second-round match has not yet been announced.