LUMBERTON — A goal by Hoke County’s Allen Hernandez with 1.5 seconds led to Lumberton’s demise in a 4-3 Southeastern Conference semifinals loss Tuesday at Alton G. Brooks Stadium.

The Pirates squandered a 3-1 second-half lead.

“There is not a whole lot of separation between us and Hoke,” Lumberton coach Kenny Simmons said. “They were the better team in the second half. They really put us on our heels.”

Jennings Johnson scored all three of Lumberton’s goals. Providing assists were Colby Johnson with a pair and Michael Bailey with one.

Hoke plays Pinecrest for the SEC title Thursday.

Tornadoes, Mustangs fall in round two

Fairmont was edged by North Pitt 3-2 and South Robeson was topped by Lakewood 3-1 in second round action of the NCHSAA volleyball playoffs Tuesday.

The Golden Tornadoes were led by Oneisha Jones, who had 12 kills and 16 digs. Christa Thorndyke added 13 assists and 23 digs.

“We had a very great year and I’m proud of this team,” Fairmont coach Michael Baker said.

Meanwhile in Rowland, South Robeson’s season came to an end against Lakewood. The Mustangs took the first set before falling in the ensuing three.

“Even though we lost we had a very successful year,” Mustangs coach Donnie Carter said.