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ELIZABETHTOWN – Senior Justyna Gargala recorded a ‘Hat Trick’ of 3 goals to lead East Bladen to a 4-1 victory over North Pitt Wednesday night in the NCHSAA Class 2A Girls Soccer Play-offs.

Freshman Patience Ward turned a feed from sophomore Ashley Hardin into the first Lady Eagle goal 9 minutes into the game. “Patience got behind the back line, cut towards the goal and hit a shot over the keeper’s head that hit the inside of the back post and went in,” said East Coach Jay Raynor. “We kept getting those looks in behind their back line.”

Gargala scored the next 3 East Bladen goals on the left side as she converted 2 passes from Hardin and one from junior Hannah Devane.

“We played well and had some really good looks tonight,” noted Raynor. “Right off the bat we were able to get in behind their backline. Patience’s pace is hard to deal with and she made a fair amount of runs. She was able to get some shots off and within the first minute got to the end line and played across the goal. We had girls in the positions to cover even though not every shot went, but we were in the right place at the right time.”

“North Pitt wasn’t able to break the backline but did have some shots from distance,” continued Coach Raynor. “Ting (Lin) did a great job making those saves and started our attack. North Pitt looked very technical during warmups but I think we made them uncomfortable with our pressure and speed in the 1st half.”

“North Pitt made some adjustments and picked up their effort (in the second half), stated Raynor. “We matched that at times but I felt they played with more urgency. We have to do better about competing. I think we let the heat get to us and took the foot off the gas. I thought North Pitt took control of the second half and we had to grind to get back in it. They were playing for their season and I think we had mentally already headed to the second round.”

North Pitt connected on a shot from right outside the 18. “Their was a girl offside in front of Ting, one official called for the offside but the center waved him off,” noted Coach Raynor. “The offside rules have changed this year and that was one of those new situations. She was offside and shouldn’t have counted in my opinion but we shouldn’t have given the shot up. Someone should’ve pressured and we paid for ball watching.”

Raynor felt that the Lady Eagles played the last 10 minutes more like they did in the first half. “We had quite a few shots barely miss and had girls make runs to the goal when shots were being put on goal,” said Raynor. “The girls picked it up but you have to play 80 quality minutes now that you’re in the playoffs. We have to do better communicating and getting the ball off our feet.”

“All and all we could do this or that better, but the girls got the win and are heading to the second round,” continued Raynor. “Ashley (Hardin) and Lexi (Mendell) did great for us in midfield tonight. Maddie (West) also had a solid night and helping win the balls that fell in behind the midfield. Trinity (Carroll) has been playing extremely well coming off the bench for us. She as well as Erika (Morales-Baza) have been playing and producing for us when coming off the bench.”

“I am very proud of the girls and what they have put together this year,” concluded Coach Raynor. “Looking forward to our playoff run and seeing how far we can ride this wave.”

The Lady Eagles improved to 16-4 and will travel to play Dixon in the second round.