ELIZABETHTOWN – The North Carolina School of Science & Math ended East Bladen’s undefeated season Friday night with an 8-1 victory over the Lady Eagles in the second round of the NCHSAA Class 2A girls soccer play-offs.
“We didn’t start our strong,” said Lady Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “They won a loose ball and got a shot off just as the game started. That intimidated us a bit and caused us to sit back. If we drop deep in our system it creates 2 pockets that essentially become shooting lanes from 20-25 out and they made us pay for that.”
NCSSM built a 5-0 halftime lead. “They had their way with us in the first half,” stated Raynor. “We just didn’t adhere to the system and chased the ball a lot. We had a solid game plan but I think we panicked.“
The Lady Eagles turned the pressure up in the second half. “We started playing a few balls behind their backline instead of in front,” noted Raynor. “That paid off as Patience (Ward) beat them time and time again. She wanted it so bad tonight and made play after play.”
One of Ward’s attacks set up the lone East Bladen goal in the 48th minute. “Patience beat the backline and had a collision with the keeper and the centerback,” said Raynor. “The ball popped out and Kenia (Medina) drilled it into the back of the net. The pressure caused the mistake and Kenia made them pay for it.”
The Lady Eagles continued to pressure the Unicorn goal and get looks but couldn’t put any in the net. NCSSM made some shots from distance for the final margin.
“They were a solid team,” noted Raynor. “They had good size, didn’t mind being physical and that intimidated us some. Their skill on the ball and understanding of the game was a bit better than ours.”
“When we started applying pressure in the second half with our forwards we forced them to switch players around and play away from their system,” continued Raynor. We forced them to play their better players in the back and sacrifice their attack. For me that’s a little win within the game. Wish it would have happened sooner.”
Raynor praised the play of his team. “We have been very blessed, and the girls had an historic season. This is one of the best groups of kids I have ever coached. I am very fortunate.”
“Lily (Lin) had an amazing night as well as Ashton (Magby),” said Raynor. “They may have been out matched at times but they fought and fought. Kenia stepped up big time in the 2nd half. She will be one of the players you will remember playing soccer at East Bladen.”
“Patience and Katie (Evans) worked all night long for us,” added Raynor. “Their fight and determination was something else to watch. Cybil (Campbell), Gracyn (Martin), Sarah (Johnson), and Ting (Lin) stepped up in the 2nd half. They left it all on the field.”
Raynor noted that Bailey Davis played some big minutes in place of Ward when she had the wind knocked out of her and that Sara Gargala tried to play for the first time in weeks but reinjured her knee.
Hannah Devane is the only senior on this year’s East Bladen team that finished 18-1 and won the Three Rivers Conference championship. “Hannah had to play all over the place tonight but did all that she could,” said Raynor. “It’s not easy being moved here or there but that speaks for her skill set and ability level. Proud of her and the leader she has become.”
Raynor concluded by thanking all the parents and fans and noted that it was probably the largest crowd ever at an East Bladen girls soccer game. “I appreciate the support and their getting behind the girls. I hope they have enjoyed watching these girls play as much as I have. Looking forward to next year.”
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