ELIZABETHTOWN – Undefeated East Bladen, the Three Rivers Conference girls’ soccer champions, will host the Durham School of the Arts Monday at 5 p.m. in the opening round of the NCHSAA Class 2A Playoffs.
Coach Jay Raynor’s Lady Eagles (12-0) are led by record-setting junior Maya McDonald who has scored more goals (90) in her career than any other Eagle, male or female. McDonald has scored 49 goals this season and dished out 11 assists. Twice in the last 2 weeks she has scored a school record 7 goals in a game.
Senior midfielder Katie Evans leads East Bladen in assists (20) and steals (289), and has fired in 17 goals in just 12 games. Senior Sara Gargala anchors the Lady Eagle defense with 286 steals. Sophomores Acee Campbell (221 steals) and Cydney Campbell (207 steals) control the flanks for the Lady Eagles.
Freshman Zoe Smith has racked up 195 steals for East Bladen, and senior Joesphina Torres is the team’s 3rd leading scorer with 9 goals. Senior Lily Lin has recorded 52 saves in goal for the Lady Eagles and has posted 8 shutouts in 12 games.
The Durham School of the Arts Bulldogs finished second in the Mid-State 2A Conference with a 6-2 record. Both of their losses were to undefeated Mid-State champion Carrboro.
Freshman Grace Casslaia leads the Bulldog offense with 16 goals. Sophomore Ella Perrin had dished out a team-high 4 assists, and senior Abby Nixon has been credited with 27 saves in goal.