RALEIGH — The Perquimans County Lady Pirates’ remarkable volleyball journey ended one win short of a state title on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, but not before the team once again cemented its place among North Carolina’s elite.

Facing powerhouse Community School of Davidson (CSD) in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A state championship at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, the Lady Pirates fell 3–0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-22) in a hard-fought match that showcased both their talent and resilience.

It was the program’s second straight trip to the state finals — and third in four seasons — following previous runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024. For head coach Kristie Thach, the outcome was bittersweet but filled with pride.

“This was an amazing season, and I am so proud of the fight and resilience these ladies showed at the State Championship,” Thach said. “They never gave up, and they played hard until the last point.”

A Familiar Stage, a New Challenge

The Pirates entered Saturday’s match as the Eastern Regional champions and the top-ranked traditional public school in the 2A division. They faced a CSD squad that had trained all year with a championship run in mind — and it showed.

CSD, which won back-to-back 1A state titles in 2016 and 2017, relied on its height and disciplined net play to control the tempo. The Spartans’ 6-foot-3 middle blocker Rory Boyle was particularly dominant, recording multiple blocks and kills that shifted momentum throughout the match.

Still, Perquimans didn’t back down. The Lady Pirates came out swinging in the first set, jumping to a 7–2 lead behind strong play from seniors Morgan Byrum and Kaydee Hunter, and a key block by Chloe Ward and Eleanor Howell. But an eight-point CSD rally quickly erased the advantage, and the Spartans’ defense tightened from there.

Perquimans rallied to within 12–10, thanks to a pair of Byrum kills, before CSD pulled away again, taking six of the next seven points to win the set 25–16.

Battling Point for Point

The second set was the most dramatic of the match, with Perquimans clawing its way back after falling behind early. The Lady Pirates led 16–14 midway through before a series of four consecutive errors allowed CSD to swing the momentum once again.

Hunter’s kill and Hayleigh Solesbee’s ace momentarily put Perquimans ahead 19–18, but that would be the team’s last lead of the set. CSD closed with six straight points — highlighted by two more Boyle blocks and a crushing kill — to seal a 25–19 win and move within one set of the championship.

Perquimans refused to fold. The third set saw the Lady Pirates battling point for point, matching CSD’s athleticism with heart and precision. Byrum and Hunter powered the attack, while setters Howell and Jayden Passwaters orchestrated crisp ball movement to keep the Spartans guessing.

Trailing 20–18, the Pirates mounted one last surge. A kill from Byrum and a defensive dig from Hunter tied it at 21, but CSD held on to close the match 25–22 — and with it, claim their third state title in as many championship appearances.

Statistics Tell the Story

Despite the loss, the stat sheet reflected Perquimans’ competitive fire.

• Morgan Byrum: 21 kills, 5 digs
• Kaydee Hunter: 12 kills, 11 digs
• Eleanor Howell: 17 assists
•  Jayden Passwaters: 13 assists

CSD’s combination of size, depth, and experience ultimately proved the difference, but Thach emphasized how proud she was of her players’ effort against a powerhouse opponent.

“All 10 of these players — five seniors and five juniors — played a major role in the success of this team,” she said. “They worked hard every single day in practice and reached so many of our preseason goals.”

Senior Leadership Leaves a Legacy

Saturday’s match marked the final game in a Perquimans uniform for seniors Byrum, Hunter, Passwaters, Heather Smith, and Lilee Anne Estes — a core group that has been central to the program’s run of dominance.

Byrum leaves as one of the most accomplished hitters in school history, finishing her career with 1,151 kills and 516 digs. Hunter departs with 798 kills, 688 digs, and 671 service points, a testament to her all-around skill and consistency.

“This senior group set the tone for everything we did,” Thach said. “Their leadership and example are a huge part of why we’ve been able to play at such a high level this year.”

The Pirates’ senior class helped guide the team through a major transition this year — from a 1A powerhouse to a legitimate contender in the state’s newly realigned 2A division.

“The drive this season was to prove that we could compete in the new 2A division and in our new competitive conference,” Thach explained. “We had several players step into new positions, and there was so much improvement and learning that took place throughout the season. I couldn’t be prouder to be the coach of this team.”

Worth noting, this is the Lady Pirates’ 10th consecutive conference championship for the varsity program — and — eight former players are playing college volleyball.

A Program Built on Consistency and Chemistry

Since Thach took over the program, Perquimans volleyball has become synonymous with consistency, chemistry, and toughness. The Lady Pirates have reached the state championship game in three of the last four seasons, establishing a standard that few programs in eastern North Carolina can match.

Even without a state title — yet — Thach sees each appearance as another step toward that ultimate goal.

“This is the third time in four years that we’ve finished as the State Runner-Up,” she said. “Even though we haven’t won the whole thing yet, I feel like each time we’ve gone, we’ve gotten closer to achieving that goal. It’s an unbelievable privilege to represent the East on the big stage, but even more of a privilege to represent Northeastern North Carolina and Perquimans County.”

The Lady Pirates’ loyal fan base — affectionately known for traveling in large numbers — once again made their presence known at Reynolds Coliseum. Students, parents, and alumni filled the stands in black and gold, erupting after every hard-fought point.

A Record of Pride

Perquimans entered the title match with a 28-3 record and a 17th overall state ranking according to MaxPreps — the highest among traditional 2A public schools in North Carolina.

That top tier position, Thach said, speaks volumes about the dedication of her players and the community that supports them.

Even after the final point fell, the Lady Pirates stayed together at midcourt, embracing through tears and smiles. For the seniors, it was a farewell to a chapter of countless memories; for the returning players, a promise to build on what’s been created.

Looking Ahead

Next year’s squad will feature five returning juniors who have already proven they can perform on the biggest stage. Thach said she’s confident that the lessons from this season — and the leadership example left by the Class of 2025 — will continue to push the program forward.

“Our younger players have grown tremendously,” she said. “They’ve seen what it takes to reach this level, and they’re already motivated to get back.”

While CSD celebrated its third state title, the Pirates walked off the floor knowing they had once again represented Perquimans County with pride and class — traits that have become hallmarks of Thach’s teams.

As fans greeted them outside Reynolds Coliseum, chants of “PQ Proud!” echoed through the concourse.

A Season Worth Celebrating

The 2025 season may not have ended with a championship trophy, but for a program built on heart, teamwork, and community, the Lady Pirates achieved something equally meaningful — another year of excellence, another year of setting the bar high for what’s possible in small-town high school sports.

“It’s easy to measure success by wins and losses,” Thach reflected. “But I measure it by growth, commitment, and the example these girls set. They showed up, worked hard, and gave everything they had — and that’s what makes them champions in my book.”

For Perquimans County, the story continues. The Lady Pirates are once again the best traditional public school in the 2A division — and one of the most respected volleyball programs in North Carolina.

The Lady Pirates might not have captured the state title — but they captured the hearts of their community.

Final Game Stats (Perquimans vs. CSD, NCHSAA 2A Championship)

• Set Scores: 16–25, 19–25, 22–25
• Team Leaders:
          ◦       Kills: Morgan Byrum (21), Kaydee Hunter (12)
          ◦       Assists: Eleanor Howell (17), Jayden Passwaters (13)
          ◦       Digs: Hunter (11), Byrum (5)       

Career Milestones:

• Byrum: 1,151 kills, 516 digs
• Hunter: 798 kills, 688 digs, 671 service points

Postgame Reflection

Perquimans finishes the 2025 season as the NCHSAA 2A State Runner-Up, a testament to one of the most dominant small-school programs in North Carolina.

“We are going to keep working hard to try to achieve the ultimate goal for all the Lady Pirates that played before us,” Thach said.

And given the Lady Pirates’ history, few would doubt her.