The Pilot Cup golf match featuring teams from North Moore, Pinecrest, Union Pines and O'Neal, will be a dual match this year. Conflicts due to rescheduled conference matches mean North Moore and Union Pines will not participate in the annual golf match that is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start today at Pinehurst Resorts No. 8.

PHS Softball Loses Late

East Montgomery scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat the Pinecrest girls 6-5 in a non-conference softball game, Monday evening.

The Patriots took a 6-9-1 overall and 4-3 conference mark into Tuesday's contest at Scotland County.

The Eagles got the jump on the Patriots by scoring four times in the bottom of the third inning. But a pair of triples helped the visitors knot things up in the top of the fifth.

A base hit by Abby Hinson and a triple by Lindsay Parkin got the Patriots on the board. Then a single by Olivia CIoccalanti, a triple by Felicia Wood and another single by Keely Robinson tied the game at 4-4.

In the top of the sixth, Hinson singled again and advanced to second on an error. She crossed the plate with the go-ahead run on another base hit by Alex Harrison. Parkin and Cioccolanti followed with singles loading the bases, but were left stranded, and that proved to be costly.

A two-base error on an outfield fly got the Eagle rally started in the bottom of the seventh. The tying run crossed the plate on a double and the winner came across on a single.

Parkin went 4-for-4 at the plate as the Patriots picked up 13 hits in all while leaving 11 on base. Robinson went all the way on the mound allowing 10 hits while striking out four and walking one.

Mustang Soccer Remains Unbeaten in Conference Play

Chloe Donaldson scored off a free kick 13 minutes into the game and the North Moore soccer team remained unbeaten in Yadkin Valley Conference play with a 1-0 win over Chatham Central Monday.

The Mustangs threatened to expand their lead in the second half, but were unable to finish.

Defensively the Mustangs held Chatham Central without a shot in the second half, and Hillary Walters recorded her third straight shutout.

Mustang head coach James Horwath said he was pleased with his team's effort, but doesn't plan to let his team rest on its laurels just yet.

"We looked rusty in the first half. The team looked far more dangerous in the second half. Defensively, there are a few minor adjustments that need to be made. Offensively, we need a little more work on finishing," he said.

The Mustangs (8-2-1, 6-0-0) are ranked No. 15. They will play at 13th-ranked East Montgomery tonight.

O'Neal Soccer Drops Two

The O'Neal girls' soccer team dropped two games last week. Cary Christian's Noelle Beasley scored three goals to propel her team to a 4-0 win over O'Neal in girls' soccer last Wednesday. On Friday Cape Fear Academy posted a 2-0 win over the Falcons, thanks to a pair of goals from Michelle Whipple. O'Neal outshot Cape Fear, 21-7, but was unable to score.

The losses drop O'Neal to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in conference.

O'Neal Baseball Wins First of Season

The O'Neal Falcons baseball team broke into the win column in a big way, Monday with a 18-4 decision over Temple Christian.

We have been working on some fundamental aspects of hitting and we are seeing some signs of progress," said O'Neal head coach Matt Peal.

The Falcons banged out 14 hits. Jay Lassiter led the way with three hits and four RBIs. Devin Roberts, Derek Ailerson and Jordan Hunt all had a pair of hits for the Falcons.

The Falcons will travel to Harrell's Christian Academy on Thursday and host Westchester Country Day Friday. Both games begin at 4 p.m.

Westchester Country Day defeated the Falcons, 13-3, last Friday thanks to a 11-run first inning.

Sand Gnats Open With Wins

The Sand Gnats opened their season with a pair of impressive wins.

The 35 Gnats defeated the Raleigh Angels, 23-1. John Meygas pitched six no-hit innings to earn the win in a game shortened by the mercy rule. Meygas allowed one unearned run on two walks while striking out eight.

Hitting stars included: Pike Nordgren (3-for-3 with five runs, five stolen bases and three RBIs), Ray Hutchens (two hits, a walk, three runs, five steals and an RBI). Art Morfin had three hits, and Jason Lowe added two hits and three RBIs. Dennis Johnson chipped in with two doubles and two runs scored.

The 21 Sand Gnats defeated the Raleigh Barons 16-2. Pitcher Chris Nolan pitched six innings to earn the win. He allowed two hits and two unearned runs. He struck out nine and walked nine.

Jason Goodwin and William Garner led a balanced offensive attack for the Gnats. Goodwin had three hits and Garner was 4-for-4 with five RBIs. Adam Friede added two hits, two RBIs, four runs scored and a pair of stolen bases.

This Sunday all three Gnats teams will be in action. The 45 team will take on the Apex Athletics at 1230 p.m. followed with the 35 team taking on the Pittsboro Marlins at 4. Both games are at Northwood High School. The 21 team will host the Alamance Giants at 4 p.m. at Pinebluff Park. Admission to all games is free.