Ward’s Four Goals Power Lady Eagles Past East Columbus, Remain Unbeaten

Elizabethtown, NC - The East Bladen Lady Eagles continued their undefeated streak Friday night with a commanding 6-1 home win over East Columbus, improving to 4-0-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

From the opening whistle, Senior NeNe Ward set the tone with a goal in the first minute of play.

Ward would go on to score three more times—in the 8th, 46th, and 48th minutes—and also recorded an assist in what was a standout performance on the front line.

Her relentless energy up top, along with the tireless work rate of Macey Potter, proved to be a constant threat for the Gators’ defense.

“NeNe is a special kid,” said Head Coach Jay Raynor. “She competes and goes and gets it. Her and Macey’s work ethic up front is going to give us lots of chances. They did tonight and they were a big difference in the match and this week.”

Potter added a goal of her own in the 5th minute, helping East Bladen build an early 2-0 lead before East Columbus responded with a goal in the 7th minute—the first run-of-play goal the Lady Eagles have allowed this season.

It also marked the first time East Columbus had scored against East Bladen since March 22, 2021, and just the fifth goal they’ve allowed to the Gators since 2011.

The Eagles didn’t flinch, however.

They regained control before halftime and took full command in the second half.

Freshman Isabella Beard capped off the scoring with a goal in the 51st minute, continuing her strong start to the season.

Fellow freshman Kenley Parks also played a critical role in midfield, drawing praise from Raynor for her growth and determination.

“Freshmen Isabella Beard and Kenley Parks are coming along well,” Raynor noted. “Kenley had one of her best games for us in midfield tonight. She is determined and is soaking up all we are throwing at her like a sponge. Bella is the same way. Says a lot about those two coming in and starting as freshmen and making a huge difference on how we play.”

Jackie Medina Leal and Gabby Rebollar each tallied assists in the match.

Both players are dealing with injuries but still managed to contribute, a testament to their resilience and leadership.

“Jackie is playing but is 50% at best,” Raynor said. “She’s a motor in midfield and a girl who can score at will. Leah McGill is also banged up and is one of our better backs and playmakers. Gabby tweaked her back and has been sick this week. She is our backbone and always sets the tone defensively.”

Despite being shorthanded, the Lady Eagles didn’t miss a beat. Lexi Ventura, a sophomore, stepped up in the absence of those veterans and delivered a strong performance.

“The plus about those three being out is that we are able to get our youth some valuable and meaningful minutes,” said Raynor. “Lexi Ventura was one of those who stepped up tonight.”

In goal, junior Aubri handled her duties with poise, registering three saves while conceding her first goal of the season.

“She’s a first-year player but has really taken over her role as our goalkeeper,” said Raynor. “She has worked hard from the first day. Proud of her. That was her first goal conceded on the season. That says a lot about her as well as our backs.”

Anna, another key player in the midfield, also received high praise for her effort.

“Anna stepped up big for us in midfield tonight,” Raynor added. “Tough player who understands what we need and how we want to play. When she is at her best we play our best soccer.”

The Lady Eagles controlled possession and tempo throughout, outshooting East Columbus 34-3.

They held a 16-1 advantage in shots in the first half and an 18-2 margin in the second.

Looking ahead, Raynor sees opportunity for continued growth.

“We graduated a lot from last year,” he said. “What we are missing most is that leadership. We have great leaders with us now but they have to find their voice and confidence in leading.”

With a mixture of youth and experienced returners, East Bladen is still coming together—but the foundation is strong.

“We are getting a little better each day and each time out,” Raynor said. “We need to be more confident and know that it’s okay to be more aggressive and truly compete. Iron sharpens iron. That’s on me and my leadership and we will be better at that next week.”

The Lady Eagles will travel to Pender on Tuesday evening in a conference matchup.

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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Ward’s Four Goals Power Lady Eagles Past East Columbus, Remain Unbeaten