Contributed photo | The Lumberton Belles 15U championship team. Top from left to right: Hailey Britt; Ariel Allbrooks; Carly Dawson; Coach Stephanie Prevatte; Katie Kinlaw; Connor Brisson; and Madison Collins. Bottom from left to right: Coach Dennis Kinlaw; Ashley Prevette; Nakyra Mitchell; Kasey West; Morgan Britt; Katlyn Jones; Abby Dawson; and Coach Johnny Britt.

Contributed photo | The West Robeson Ponytails championship team. Top from left to right: Head Coach Royce Cummings; Summer Bullard; Chloe Locklear; Kaley Deese; Asst. Coach Cranston Lancaster; Torrie Butler; Kiley Locklear; Ayanna McGirt; and Asst. Coach Amylee Carter Lancaster. Bottom from left to right: Chandra Locklear; Marijo Wilkes; Jalyn Herndon; Syniah Lancaster; Carrington Harris; and Kyra Locklear.

Pair of local teams claim softball tournament titles

LUMBERTON — The West Robeson Ponytails and the Lumberton Belles took home championship titles at the inaugural Dixie Softball District 6 tournament at Northeast Park this past weekend.

The Ponytails, comprised of players ages 11 and 12, defeated Lumberton 11-4 and the Belles’ 15-and-under sqaud defeated Moore County by the same score to win the championship in their division.

Both teams will represent Robeson County at the state tournament in Burgaw from July 17 to July 22.

UNCP sends record 179 to PBC Presidential Honor Roll

AUGUSTA, Ga.The University of North Carolina at Pembroke was among two institutions to send more than 175 student-athletes to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll on Monday — the sixth-straight year that the institution has sent more than 100 athletes to the distinguished academic listing.

The Braves were second only to Young Harris (188) in number of student-athletes included in Monday’s release. The Braves have now sent 847 student-athletes to PBC Honor Roll distinction over the last six years.

A record 1,607 student-athletes were recognized by the league this year on the list which recognizes all student-athletes at the 14 PBC member institutions who had a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the academic year.

The honor roll has been divided into four groups: Presidential Scholars, Bronze Scholars, Silver Scholars and Gold Scholars. All student-athletes with a GPA from 3.0 to 3.24 are Presidential Scholars, while Bronze Scholars are 3.25 to 3.49; Silver 3.50 to 3.74 and Gold Scholars are those with a 3.75 to 4.00.

The 1,607 student-athletes surpasses the old record of 1,447 set in 2013-14 and gives the Peach Belt 1,000 or more honorees for the sixth year in a row. Each student-athlete will receive a certificate from the conference office.

Leach plans annual casino night fundraiser

LUMBERTON — The night before his annual camp, former Super Bowl champion and Rowland native Vonta Leach will be raising money for his foundation with the third annual Vonta Leach Foundation Casino Night.

Held at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Center, the adults-only event will take place from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 on Friday. Admission includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, raffles and giveaways, a silent auction and gaming chips and tables.

There will be appearances by NFL players and celebrities and live entertainment by Groovetown.

Admission starts at $100 per person or $175 for couples. Couples who buy tickets before June 6 will save an additional $25. Tables of eight are available starting at $1,000 and other sponsorship opportunities. For information and tickets visit VontaLeach.com or call 713-816-3223.

Leach announces annual football/cheer camp

LUMBERTON — Former Super Bowl Champion and Rowland native Vonta Leach will conduct his 10th-annual football and cheer camp Saturday.

The event, sponsored by the Vonta Leach Foundation, will be at Lumberton High School. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., with the camp starting at 9. The camp is free but is restricted to the first 500 participants who register online in advance. Participants get lunch, a free t-shirt and autographs.

Participants between the ages of 6 and 16 will get the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football and cheerleading, as well as leadership development, team building and self-improvement skills. The football portion of the event includes coaching from professional players on skills including passing, receiving and blocking. Cheerleaders will learn choreography from former Charlotte Hornets cheerleaders.

Visit VontaLeach.com for information and registration.