SOCCER: East Bladen Takes Down Pender 7-0, Remains Undefeated.

Burgaw, NC - The East Bladen girls soccer team continued its impressive start to the season with a dominant 7-0 shutout win over Pender High School on Tuesday night.

The victory, secured on the road in Burgaw, pushed the Lady Eagles to 5-0-1 overall and a perfect 3-0 in conference play.

Despite being short-handed—missing two starters before the match and losing three more during the game—East Bladen showed poise, depth, and leadership in every phase of play.

“This was a great team performance,” said Head Coach Jay Raynor. “Everyone had to contribute tonight, and they did.”

The Lady Eagles wasted no time taking control. Macey Potter opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finishing a clean assist from Bella Beard.

Just two minutes later, NeNe Ward rose up and headed home a corner from Gabby Rebollar to make it 2-0.

The East Bladen attack stayed hot as NeNe added her second goal in the 22nd minute, again set up by Beard, who was finding space and creating chances throughout the half.

In the 27th minute, Potter found the net again, once more with Beard providing the setup.

The senior finished the match with three assists and was key in building East Bladen’s 4-0 halftime lead. The Eagles outshot Pender 17-2 in the first half alone.

After the break, the offense continued to roll. NeNe Ward completed her hat trick in the 43rd minute, this time off a smart assist from Anna Miranda, who was asked to step into the demanding role of attacking midfielder.

“Anna was a huge factor in our performance,” said Raynor. “She had to step into arguably the toughest position on the field, and her leadership really helped us stay organized and focused.”

Julia Flowers added a goal in the 58th minute, showcasing her trademark speed and aggression on the flank. Raynor praised her performance, noting how her relentless energy made her a constant threat down the wing.

The final goal of the night came in the 65th minute, when Ward netted her fourth of the game. The assist came from Rebollar, who delivered another dangerous ball into the box. In addition to her two assists, Rebollar drew high praise from Raynor for her work on both ends of the field.

“Gabby was a huge factor for us,” he said. “She’s one of the best defenders I’ve ever coached. Her leadership and toughness were on full display. She stopped multiple promising attacks and consistently served dangerous balls into their area.”

On the defensive end, East Bladen was rock-solid. Aubrie and Jaziyah shared goalkeeping duties and combined for the shutout, with Aubrie recording three saves. The back line stayed composed, even as wind conditions posed a challenge.

Raynor also credited Lexi Ventura and Kenley Brisson for their work in the midfield. Ventura stepped into a larger role, and Brisson delivered what Raynor called “one of her best performances.”

Brisson’s ability to stop opposing attacks and immediately flip the field helped fuel East Bladen’s offensive rhythm.

Kaylen Chambers, or “KC” as her teammates call her, was another standout. Called into more action due to injuries, Chambers responded with grit and awareness.

“KC really stepped up,” Raynor said. “She’s starting to grasp what’s expected of her and it’s showing in her play.”

As for Potter and Ward, their chemistry up top continues to grow.

“Macey and NeNe are in great form,” Raynor noted. “They work hard for each other and their connection is getting better every game.”

While the scoreboard shows a dominant win, it was the way the team came together under pressure that left the biggest impression.

“I hate it for the girls who were injured tonight,” Raynor added. “But their teammates stepped up for them. Everyone contributed. I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”

East Bladen will look to continue its unbeaten run when they return to action later this week at home vs Pender.

Roster: Michelle Quezada, Nevaeh Brown, Sana'a Singletary, Julia Flowers, Kayelynn Chambers, Abigail Miranda-Ventura, Jaziyeah Daniels, Mary Frances Sutton, Isabella Beard, Aubri Nixon, Lynn Escobar Perez, Kenley Parks, NeNe Ward, Jackie Medina-Leal, Leanh McGill, Gabriela Rebollar, Anna Miranda, Kaelyn Eason, Marlee Potter, Lexi Ventura, Macey Potter, Annika Bass.

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East Bladen Takes Down Pender 7-0, Remains Undefeated.