ELIZABETHTOWN – Juniors Iveonna “NeNe” Ward and Anna Miranda fired in 2nd half goals that lifted East Bladen to a 2-0 non-conference girls’ soccer victory over West Bladen Monday night.
Coach Jay Raynor’s Lady Eagles raised their record to 12-2-1 and will visit East Duplin Wednesday. West Bladen, now 2-9-3, will travel to Red Springs Tuesday night.
After a scoreless 1st half, East senior Molly Evans sent a cross to Ward who banged in a goal in the 44th minute. Fifteen minutes later Miranda converted a pass from senior Heidi Rebollar into the 2nd Lady Eagle goal.
“It was a good win; the game was tough,” said Raynor. “The game was close and that’s what is expected in a rivalry match. I thought West Bladen played us tough and for a stretch during both halves seemed to win a majority of the 50/50 balls.
East Bladen outshot the Lady Knights 15-2 in the opening half. Junior O’Mara McDonald had a 1st half shot for West.
“We were more disciplined in the second half,” noted Raynor. “Our girls got better as the game went on. It’s always good when you can get a win especially at home and earn a shutout at the same time.”
Senior Reese Hester was credited with 3 saves in goal for the Lady Eagles and recorded the shutout. Senior Briana Carranza Toledo had 8 saves in goal for the Lady Knights.
Senior Shamaria Jackson led the West defense with 6 steals. McDonald, sophomore Leidi Zuniga Labra and junior Jazmy Funez Aranda collected 5 steals each for the Lady Knights. Senior Brookee’ Singletary and freshman Ashley Baiza Rivon finished with 4 steals each.
Raynor concluded, “West played us tough and made us make adjustments. They battled and we battled right back. We are dealing with some injuries and limited subs. Hoping to get those issues resolved soon. The positive of that though is getting the girls experience and hopefully develop some depth.”
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