ST PAULS – Sophomore Heidi Rebollar and freshman Iveonna “NeNe” Ward recorded ‘Hat Tricks’ Monday night as East Bladen blasted St. Pauls 9-0 in Southeastern Athletic Conference girls soccer action. The game ended on the mercy rule at halftime.
Rebollar actually posted a ‘Hat Trick’ plus one of 4 goals, while Ward totaled 3 goals in the game. Lady Eagle senior Maya McDonald chipped in with 2 goals and 2 assists.
“St. Pauls keyed on Maya,” stated East Bladen Coach Jay Raynor. “She has scored a lot against them over her career and they made it difficult for her. Solid game plan but I’m not sure they were prepared for the attacking players that we have to compliment Maya. Jackie (Medina-Leal), Heidi, and Nene took advantage of the overplaying of Maya.”
Rebollar drilled in a penalty kick in the 3rd minute of play to give the Lady Eagles the early lead. East Bladen fell dormant and didn’t scored for the next 10 minutes then broke loose with 7 goals in 8 minutes.
“I thought we did great growing into the game,” noted Raynor. “Not used to playing on Mondays and I thought our energy wasn’t at the level it should be. Having Mondays to prepare helps, and I thought that play a small role in the start of the game today. Mentally it took us sometime to get locked in. We talk about standards and our standards are high. We weren’t as aggressive from the first whistle.”
In the 12th minute, McDonald sent a pass to Ward who banged in the 2nd goal for the Lady Eagles. A minute later, Medina-Leal delivered an assist to Ward who found the back of the net again for a 3-0 East lead.
Two minutes later Rebollar broke loose and fired in her 2nd goal. Over the next 3 minutes McDonald would beat the St. Pauls defense twice for unassisted goals that grew the Lady Eagle lead to 6-0.
Midway the half Ward completed her ‘Hat Trick’ by banging in a goal off of a McDonald assist. Forty seconds later Rebollar struck again knocking an unassisted goal into net for an 8-0 lead.
“Once we get going and flip the switch, we can be a force that is tough to stop,” said Raynor. “Unfortunately, when we don’t come out strong and allow teams to have space, they get time to make decisions and teams will make you pay for that. Good to see the amount of scores tonight. Even had several more who were on the verge of converting a goal. Our attack is getting better and the chemistry is developing.”
Rebollar chalked up another unassisted goal with 3:55 left before halftime. That goal assured the Lady Eagles of not having to play after halftime.
“Great performance from the girls today,” said Raynor. “Heidi and Acee (Campbell) are playing nearly perfect games every time out. Our midfield controlled the game and dictated the pace. I thought we did well cleaning things up and stopping anything that St. Pauls got going.”
Raynor continued, “Our backs did well. They made plays when they had too. It’s tough for that group back there. Our forwards and midfielders are getting chance after chance to make a play. Our backs aren’t getting nearly the amount of opportunities to make plays or decisions.
“With those opportunities we are getting the job done but need to clean a lot up,” added Raynor. “We need to make that one play be a perfect play. Teams will make us pay for things we did tonight. We must be better and stop allowing our standards to be lowered.”
East Bladen outshot the Lady Bulldogs 17-1.
Raynor concluded, “Always will be things to clean up but it was a great win for the girls. Another shutout and another conference win.”
East Bladen improved to 5-0 in SAC-7 play and 8-0 overall. They will host St. Pauls in a rematch Thursday at 6 p.m.
About Author
