The Hoke County volleyball team returns to the floor next week.
Last year, the Bucks went 8-13, 4-9 in the Sandhills. Despite a losing record, the Bucks put up their best win-loss percentage since 2017 and will look to build on that this year.
The schedules are still a work in progress, with non-conference games likely to be added over the next few weeks but we know that Hoke tips off its season on Aug. 12, at home, and the conference season begins on Aug. 27.
With exciting matchups ahead from intra-conference, intra-county and non-conference play, here’s a look at Hoke’s soccer schedule with dates, opponents and a look at key matchups this season:
Aug. 12 vs. St. Pauls: For the second straight season, Hoke plays St. Pauls in the opener. The Bulldogs knocked off the Bucks at St. Pauls last year in a tight five-set contest. This year, Hoke gets the game at home, which could make the difference.
Aug. 14 at E.E. Smith: The two schools haven’t met on the volleyball court since 2015. They’ll play a home-and-home in August.
Aug. 15 at Westover: Another unfamiliar foe. The last time Westover and Hoke County met in volleyball was 2008.
Aug. 19 at Red Springs: The two teams split last season’s series, with each school winning in three sets at home.
Aug 21 vs. E.E. Smith: Five road games are broken up by the return game in the home-and-home with Smith.
Aug. 22 at St. Pauls
Aug. 27 at Scotland: The Sandhills Conference opener comes on the road, Hoke didn’t win a set in the two game sweep last year.
Aug. 29 vs. Lee County: The conference home opener comes against a team Hoke swept last year, in four sets on the road and five at home.
Sept. 3 at Richmond: The Raiders ended Hoke’s season last year, sweeping them out of the conference tourney in straight sets to cap off 3-0 edge in the season series.
Sept. 4 at Douglas Byrd: Hoke steps out of conference to face a team the Bucks beat in straight sets last season.
Sept. 5 vs. Southern Lee: Hoke swept the season series last year, winning 3-1 and 3-2.
Sept. 10 at Union Pines: It’s been a lopsided decade in the series. Union Pines has won all 13 matchups since the two teams started playing regularly.
Sept. 12 at Pinecrest: Another lopsided series. Going back to 2010, Hoke is 0-28 and hasn’t won a set in the last 11 matchups.
Sept. 16 vs. Red Springs
Sept. 19 vs. Scotland
Sept. 24 at Lee County
Sept. 26 vs. Richmond
Sept. 30 vs. Douglas Byrd
Oct. 1 at Southern Lee
Oct. 3 vs. Union Pines
Oct. 8 at Pinecrest
