ELIZABETHTOWN – Sophmore Ashley Hardin recorded a ‘Hat Trick’ of 3 goals Tuesday night to lead East Bladen to a 3-0 Four County Conference girls soccer victory over West Bladen.
Hardin scored her two first half goals on long shots from the right side of the goal. The first one was from 20 yards out off of an assist from junior Hannah Devane, and the second goal came on an 18-yard shot off of an assist from freshman Patience Ward.
“Both were well-placed and hard shots that were just out of the keeper’s reach,’ said Lady Eagle Coach Jay Raynor.
The third Hardin goal came midway the second half. “It was very similar to the first goal,” said Raynor. “She had a lot of space in front of her. It was good to see Ashley step up and get those goals. She plays a lot of minutes and is usually getting assists. She hit the post and crossbar on her first 2 shots, but settled down and made some big shots.”
“I thought the play of our midfield – Lexie (Mendell), Cassie (Hill) and Cybil (Campbell) – was solid tonight,” continued Coach Raynor. “We dictated the pace of the game and forced their backs to make play after play.”
“Cassidy (Davis) and Anna Grace (Long) made some plays for us as well,” added Raynor. “They did what they were supposed to do when called on.”
Raynor was pleased that he was able to get all his players some quality minutes in the game. “Ashton Magby has been giving us great effort, and Trinity (Carroll) was able to step in and do the same. She was able to help generate some offense around their goal.”
Sophmore goalkeeper Ting Lin did not have to make a save in the game. “Sarah (Johnson) did a wonderful job keeping the backline compact,” noted Coach Raynor. “They didn’t get behind us much and I thought that was because of her and the communication in the back.”
Raynor also praised Lady Knight Coach Brennan Brown and his game plan. “They were solid defensively even though the ball stayed on their half of the field a majority of the time. My hat goes off to their keeper (Akira Grimes) who made numerous saves. Whether they were hit hard at her or if she had to dive, she made plays all night.”
Coach Raynor also noted that West challenged every 50/50 ball. “They challenged them. We sat back and watched at times. West seemed to want to make a play more than we did.”
“We didn’t play our best and were still able to get a result,” concluded Raynor. “This group is tough and will respond tomorrow.’
East Bladen, now 6-4 in league play and 10-4 overall, will travel to South Columbus Wednesday for a 5 p.m. non-conference game.
West Bladen travels to Union for a 6 p.m. Four County make-up game Wednesday.
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